Wounded Healers: Job Termination in Faith Community Nursing

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Pastoral Care

Background:

• Faith community nursing (FCN) roles are unique, involving deep client relationships.
• Research on the termination of FCN positions is limited.
• Understanding the impact of termination on FCNs is crucial for support and retention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the feelings of faith community nurses (FCNs) following job termination.
• To provide an evidence-based practice component for managing FCN termination.
• To present strategies for supporting FCNs and preventing position loss.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative exploration of FCN experiences with termination.
• Review of existing literature on FCN roles and job loss.
• Development of practical, evidence-based recommendations.

Main Results:

• FCNs experience profound grief and a sense of loss after termination due to strong client relationships.
• A lack of adequate support systems exacerbates negative feelings following job loss.
• Nurses expressed a need for both reactive support and proactive strategies to maintain their ministry.

Conclusions:

• Faith community nursing termination significantly impacts nurses emotionally, highlighting the need for specialized support.
• Evidence-based strategies are necessary to mitigate the negative effects of termination and support FCNs.
• Proactive measures can help prevent the loss of FCN positions and preserve vital healthcare ministries.