President’s Reflections Spring 2025 Greetings FCNI Members and Friends, We are now nearing the end of July, which makes me realize that summer is soon half way over! For many people, this is a time of relaxing, vacations and enjoying the sun and warm weather. As nurses, we know that illness and caring for people do not take a vacation during the summer. Respiratory illnesses such as COVID‑19 continue to be prevalent during the summer and can have serious negative health outcomes, especially for people who are 50 years and older. FCNI recognizes that it can be difficult for faith community nurses (FCNs) to find ongoing, accurate, up‑to‑date information about COVID‑19 that you can share with your congregations and communities. In our commitment to provide evidence‑based resources to FCNs, we recognize the importance of developing relationships with other health care organizations that also value the health and welfare of individuals and our communities. These relationships help us to share additional resources with you, which will ultimately lead to greater positive health outcomes for your congregants. FCNI has recently become connected with McUlsky HealthForce (“MHF”), which is an American‑based company that helps organizations foster relationships with one another. Through McUlsky, FCNI has become a member of Champions for Vaccine Education, Equity and Progress (CVEEP). We are proud to be aligned with CVEEP as they strive to provide health education and promotion to our communities. CVEEP is committed to providing resources and raising awareness about the continued need for vaccination against infectious respiratory illnesses across the lifespan and the importance of treatments for those who are eligible. CVEEP also aims to engage diverse groups that have been most harmed by the pandemic. There are several nationally recognized health organizations that have also partnered with them. CVEEP has initiated a summer educational campaign named the “Stay Updated Campaign,” which will run through August 31, 2025. This is based on the critical need for outreach to communities to increase understanding of the importance of receiving updated COVID‑19 vaccines. The CVEEP education campaign will focus on the fact that COVID‑19 and other respiratory illnesses can happen year‑round, and how important it is to get vaccinated—especially amongst vulnerable populations. Through this partnership, FCNI has committed to participate in this educational campaign, with a resulting grant given to FCNI at the conclusion of the campaign.
At the conclusion of the campaign, FCNI will request that anyone who shared the information or used it in their congregations or faith communities to report back on key metrics such as where materials were shared, channels of outreach, engagement numbers on social media, or additional examples which may include the following:
These submitted metrics will provide vital information to CVEEP about the efficacy of the campaign. It will also enhance our profession as faith community nurses and help FCNI have a better understanding of the potential need for future vaccine education. By sharing this important information with your congregations and communities, you can highlight how vaccination can be a simple and effective way to make sure summer stays healthy and filled with sunshine and connection. Vaccine Toolkit Links: (Please use these links to access the Stay Updated Campaign resources:
Here are some exciting opportunities coming up: Save the Date
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Blessings,
Mary Martin FCNI President NEW BENEFIT FOR FCNI MEMBERS! Discounted subscription to the Journal of Christian Nursing through Lippincott using code WMK028AA.
This benefit is graciously made possible by Dr. Kathy Schoonover-Shoffner, Editor-in-Chief of JCN | I Am FCNI! Meet our FCNI Leadership Team! |
Upcoming Webinars & Registration |
“Uncovering Patterns in Providing Spiritual Care: Lessons for FCNs"
Presented by: Renee Kumpula
Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025
Time: 6 pm to 7 pm Central Time on Zoom
Spiritual care is a necessary support when anyone is confronted with difficult diagnoses, chronic illness, or palliative and end-of-life care. This session will explore the factors and strategies that affect nurses’ effectiveness in providing spiritual care.
Learning Outcomes:
“Supporting the Spiritual Development of Youth with Mental Health Challenges"
Presented by: Michelle Solomon
Date: Thursday, June 26, 2025
Time: 6 pm to 7 pm Central Time on Zoom
This session provides an overview of mental health and why it needs to be wholistic. Dr. Solomon will cover research findings on how youth diagnosed with bipolar disorder described their spirituality, how healthprofessionals can promote the wellbeing through spirituality integrated interventions, and how FCNscan promote their own spiritual wellbeing.
Learning Outcomes:
“Managing PTSD with
Caregivers”
Presented by: Merdijana Kovcevic
Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025
Time: 6 pm to 7 pm Central Time on Zoom
This session will explore the nature of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and its profound impact not only on individuals who experience it but also on the people who support them.
Learning Outcomes:
FCNI Webinars for 2025 - Save the Date Webinars (on Zoom)
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FCNI Annual Virtual Conference – 2025
Behavioral Health Across the Lifespan:
Implications for Faith Community Nursing Practice and Research
Saturday, October 18 from 10 am to 3:30 pm (CT)
Kathleen Ruccione, PhD, RN, MPH, CPON, FAAN, FAPHON, is Professor and PhD Program Director in the School of Nursing at Azusa Pacific University, CA
Beth Hlabse MS, LMHCA, is director and counselor with the Fiat MH program at the University of Notre Dame, IN.
Liz Coleman, DNP, FNP, RN is Assistant Professor at Minnesota State University and a FNP at a MH clinic.
Angel Smothers, DNP, APRN, is Associate Dean and Professor at West Virginia University and a FCN in the community.
“The entire conference was excellent. All the speakers demonstrated expertise in their subjects and adhered to the time allotment.” and “Very interesting and informative...Looking forward to the next one.”
If you join at $50 per year before paying conference registration, you will realize a return on investment immediately—
and be eligible for discounted CNE webinars for the next 15 months
Registration available later in 2025
Teen-Senior Connections: An Intergenerational Approach for Building Teen Resilience Presented by: Marcia Davis, DNP, RN, CRNP-PC Description: Faith Community Nurses face challenges in creating relationships among the generations. In the literature, resilience had been identified as a protective factor against the alarming rate of teen suicide in the US. This presentation describes a study to build teen resilience by using an intergenerational approach within a faith community. Outcomes reveal potential benefit for both young and old including other options for exploring intergenerational activities among a congregation. Bio: Marcia Davis is a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care. She received a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Nursing degree from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), a Nurse Practitioner Certificate from California State University at Long Beach (CSULB), and her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from the Azusa Pacific University. She has over 45 years of experience with children in inpatient and outpatient settings, private clinics, and school settings, and has been an Assistant Professor for over 12 years at Loma Linda University and at Azusa Pacific University. Learning outcomes:
Registration: CNE 1.0 ANCC contact hours $20 for Members; $40 for Nonmembers ![]() |
Community of Support for Research and EBP:
A New Benefit for FCNI Members
The FCNI Research Committee is thrilled to announce that we have developed a Community of Support for Research and EBP. The goal is to provide mentoring, networking, support and consultation to FCNI members who are conducting research studies or EBP projects and disseminating scholarly work related to those research studies and EBP projects.
We are NOW accepting applications for the FCNI Community of Support for Research and EBP Program. If you are interested in becoming a mentee, visit our “Research Webpage” and submit your application
FCNI Events
Presenting Offer From: Widener University School of Nursing
Presenting By: Dr. Donna Callaghan, PhD, RN-BC, CNE, Professor
Starting Date: May 12, 2025
Closing Date: August 24, 2025
Time: 6 pm to 7 pm Central Time on Zoom
Widener University School of Nursing is offering the Westberg Institute for Faith Community Nursing’s Foundations of Faith Community Nursing Program for registered nurses who are interested in learning more about the specialty of faith community nursing and how to establish or enhance these ministries in their own faith communities (churches, mosques, synagogues).
The asynchronous 36.5 hour online program will open on May 12 and close August 24, 2025. Dr. Donna Callaghan, PhD, RN-BC, CNE, Professor of Nursing at Widener and certified Faith Community Nurse, will facilitate the program. The program consists of 15 modules that require from 1 – 4 hours to complete on a weekly basis. Registered nurses who complete the program will receive 36.5 PDC hours through Widener University School of Nursing, an ANCC-approved PDC provider.
PROGRAM DISCOUNTS!
1. The fee for the program is $400 plus purchase of the participant guide (approx. $50).
2. New and renewing members of Faith Community Nurses International (FCNI) can receive a code to take the program at a 50% discount ($200).
3.Please email Donna Callaghan at drdonnarn@comcast.net for registration information.
FCNI Opportunities |
Not a Member Yet? | Join a Committee! We are currently looking for additional members to join us on committees!
Help shape the future of FCNI and learn new skills! Email us at: contact@fcninternational.org | ![]() Incorporate the FCN Position Statements into Your Practice!
FCN Position Statements are offered by the Westberg Institute for Faith Community Nursing |
Suggested Reading
The Future of Nursing 2020-2030 Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity (2021)The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity explores how nurses can work to reduce health disparities and promote equity, while keeping costs at bay, utilizing technology, and maintaining patient and family-focused care into 2030. This work builds on the foundation set out by The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health (2011) report.
https://www.nap.edu/catalog/25982/the-future-of-nursing-2020-2030-charting-a-path-to | Other Recommended Reading
A comprehensive report published this month by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine strengthens the case for primary care as the foundation of the U.S. health care system. It also makes policy recommendations that reinforce several of the AAFP’s long-standing advocacy positions.
https://www.aafp.org/news/practice-professional-issues/20210504nasemreport.html |