Discover How the Adventist Nurses Symposium Fuses Faith and Care

Embracing Spirituality in Healthcare: The Adventist Nurses Symposium

In an inspiring convergence of professional duty and spiritual calling, the inaugural Adventist Nurses Symposium, held from September 3-5 at Capital Church in Wellington, has set a new standard for nursing conferences in the New Zealand Pacific Union Conference (NZPUC). With the theme “Te Manaaki Katoa—The Ministry of Whole Person Care,” the event highlighted the vital connection between faith, nursing, and holistic health.

A Unique Gathering of Faith and Care

Organized by seasoned nurse Adrielle Carrasco, the symposium brought together an eclectic mix of nurses, nursing students, and nurse educators, fostering a space where the intersection of faith and nursing could be explored meaningfully. Carrasco characterized the role of nurses of faith as critical “bridges,” emphasizing the importance of showing compassionate care while upholding Christian values.

“As nurses of faith, we’re called to be bridges—honouring our Christian values while extending compassionate care to all, regardless of their spiritual background,” said Carrasco. “This isn’t about compromising our beliefs; it’s about living them out in their fullest expression.” This perspective resonated deeply with attendees, who found strength in sharing experiences and insights.

Insights from Keynote Speakers

Key discussions at the symposium were led by esteemed faculty from Loma Linda University School of Nursing, where Dr. Anne Berit Petersen introduced the Whole Person Care framework, articulated in her book, Whole Person Care: Adventist Nursing in Action. Dr. Petersen emphasized the historical ties between Adventist beliefs in healthcare and contemporary nursing practices, creating space for nurses to reflect on how spirituality enriches patient care.

Another significant contributor, Dr. Iris Mamier, bridged theory and practice by exploring the integration of prayer and spiritual presence in nursing. The enthusiasm of the attendees was palpable, with one nurse expressing, “These presentations have given me a vocabulary to express both my faith and my work in ways I hadn’t considered before.” The need for such frameworks in nursing careers has never been more evident, as many attendees wished for earlier exposure to these concepts.

Cultural Relevance and Global Perspectives

The symposium did not shy away from addressing local contexts and cultural relevance, which are essential in today’s diverse healthcare landscape. Victoria Jennings, a nursing educator with 25 years of experience, spoke to the importance of honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) in the practice of faith-based nursing. The integration of local customs into nursing practice emphasizes a sensitivity towards the communities nurses serve.

Energizing the atmosphere, RN Jennifer Lumaavatasi Pereira-Sinapati shared her expertise on applying the Whole Person Care framework in Pacific communities through traditional health models like the Fonofale model. Her palpable passion was echoed through her students, who actively participated and fundraised for future symposiums, reinforcing the theme of community connectivity.

The Voice of the New Generation

Newly registered Māori Adventist nurse Autymn Kanuta William articulated her transformative experience at the symposium: “I’ve been so blessed with all the kōrero and mātauranga (knowledge) that was shared. I just felt as if I was able to thrive and actually learn.” Attendees like William symbolize a growing interest in incorporating spirituality within healthcare, reflecting a broader movement towards whole-person health practices in nursing.

Support from Church Leadership

Support from church leaders was robust throughout the symposium. NZPUC President Dr. Eddie Tupa’i celebrated the dedication of the nursing community, acknowledging their critical role in both church outreach and community service. Meanwhile, South Pacific Division Health Director Geraldine Przybylko encouraged participants to connect with ELIA Wellness, the division's health ministry, a move that could catalyze referrals to holistic health resources throughout the church community.

Looking Towards the Future

The positive feedback and enthusiastic engagement expressed by attendees suggest the symposium not only fulfilled its purpose but also revealed a powerful need for continuous dialogue around spirituality and nursing. Events like this could become crucial in shaping future healthcare narratives and practices among Adventist nurses. Moving forward, the call remains for our nursing community: how can we balance faith, care, and professionalism without compromising our spiritual identities?

Join the Conversation for Whole Person Care

The Adventist Nurses Symposium had an extraordinary impact, underscoring the importance of spirituality in both nursing and healthcare. As members of the SDA faith community, it is essential that we continue to support our nurses in their journey towards holistic care. Engaging in this dialogue can lead to groundbreaking changes in how we view health care, making it truly a ministry of the whole person.

Let's continue to lift up our nurses and their incredible work at the intersection of faith and healing!