Greetings from Lipscomb University School of Nursing
"Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called." - Ephesians 4:1
Janel Shoun-Smith |
Chelsia Harris
Nursing is a powerful vocational calling that allows us to put those words into action, and that is just what our faculty, staff, alums, and students are doing.
We believe that each person is an individual created in the divine image of God. Remaining faithful to the mission of Lipscomb University and being passionate about professional nursing excellence, every LUSON student is provided two very important tools before they graduate: a stethoscope and a leather-bound nurse’s Bible engraved with their name. Due to the generous donations of our alums, friends and fans of LUSON, we have been able to award 323 Bibles and stethoscopes over the last three years, totaling almost $24,000!
Our alums continue to support LUSON as evidenced by 100% of our open lab instructors being Lipscomb University School of Nursing alumni. This indicates we shape graduates who want to encourage and empower the next generation of Lipscomb nurses and give back to their alma mater. The LUSON open lab is a place where current nursing students can go to sharpen a variety of psychomotor skills, as well as strengthen their critical thinking and clinical reasoning through intentional and individualized tutoring.
This has also been a super exciting year for missions in the School of Nursing. On Sept. 16, His Excellency, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi, Africa, visited our School of Nursing. This visit was in response to the impact of the mission efforts of our Lipscomb nursing and pharmacy students, having served in his country. Each year, LUSON students, faculty and staff participate in local, national and international medical mission efforts.
Although we face one of the most significant nursing workforce deficits of our lifetime, I am not discouraged. We are called to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which we have been called. The "starfish theory" is one that often comes to mind when I feel overwhelmed by the vocational calling God has placed on my life. We may not be able to make a difference in everyone’s lives or even come close to eradicating the workforce deficit. However, if we are able to inspire, encourage and equip just one future nurse, we have made a difference in that one life and all of the lives they touch thereafter. And that feels like a worthy calling.
In Christ,
Dr. Chelsia Harris, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
Executive Director of the School of Nursing