By Daniel Casciato

At Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, spirituality is not treated as an afterthought—it is woven directly into the fabric of nursing education. Through the Nurses Christian Fellowship (NCF), students and faculty are creating a spiritual community that supports future nurses academically, emotionally, and personally. Co-led by student president Sydney Gibbons, Associate Professor Dr. Mary Ann Leavitt and Professor Dr. Lisa Wiese, NCF plays a vital role in shaping compassionate, resilient clinicians grounded in both faith and service.

For Dr. Leavitt, the foundation for this work begins with the college’s philosophy. “Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing is founded on the theories and principles of Caring Science,” she says. “Nursing involves caring for patients holistically.”

She notes that one of Sister Simone Roach’s “6 C’s of Caring” is Compassion, a value that echoes one of nursing’s most well-known moral teachings. “One of the most compelling stories of compassionate care is the story Jesus told of the Good Samaritan in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 10. As shown in this story, compassionate caring is hands-on, patient-centered care: physically, emotionally, psychosocially, and spiritually. Our skill in caring develops as we receive care from each other and as we understand God’s care for us.”

That blend of practical skill and spiritual grounding is the heart of NCF’s mission. Student president Sydney Gibbons explains that nursing students face a uniquely challenging academic and emotional landscape.

“The experience of a nursing student is unique, with one foot on campus and one foot in the real world of caring for patients,” she says. “Students have questions about life, suffering, death, and how to offer hope to patients and their families.”

NCF creates space for students to explore these questions with honesty and support. “NCF helps students navigate these questions and find a strong foundation to compassionately care for others that is centered in God’s love and truth,” Gibbons adds.

A key expression of that compassion is found in the group’s most beloved traditions: distributing Thanksgiving cards of appreciation to all faculty and staff at the college and participating in Operation Christmas Child, sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse. Each year, NCF members fill shoeboxes with toys, hygiene items, and gifts for children in developing countries.

“Operation Christmas Child is an opportunity to show God’s love through children in developing countries who otherwise would not have a gift to open on Christmas morning,” Gibbons says. The project also reinforces gratitude. “We realize that if we have a roof over our head and shoes on our feet, we are rich in comparison to most of the rest of the world. Sending these shoeboxes of gifts and necessities is one way to share our blessings.”

But NCF’s impact extends far beyond the holiday season. Its service initiatives foster deep personal and professional growth among nursing students. “Serving together promotes a bond between our students and between students and faculty,” Dr. Leavitt says. Whether “removing broken eggs from donated cartons” or “standing outside in the heat distributing food to those in need at Boca Helping Hands,” students gain a sense of unity and purpose.

The inclusive nature of NCF also creates mentorship opportunities across all levels of nursing education. “We have students from every program and level of education,” she says. “Freshmen discover that there is life after Anatomy and Physiology and seniors are exposed to graduate students who may inspire them to continue their nursing education.” Meetings also provide a confidential space where students can speak openly. “Our meetings are a safe place for them to discuss their concerns without being worried about showing their weaknesses.”

NCF also helps students address a critical issue in today’s healthcare environment: burnout. Gibbons explains that spiritual grounding is a key source of resilience.

“Nurses Christian Fellowship helps nursing students cultivate resilience, emotional strength, and a deep sense of purpose by grounding their journey in spiritual connection,” she says. Through Scripture, from Isaiah 41:10 to Hebrews 12:1–2, students are reminded to “fix their eyes on the Lord,” framing nursing not as a burden but “a meaningful calling.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Leavitt sees tremendous opportunity to expand the spiritual community within healthcare education. “Taking care of people holistically involves mind, body, and spirit,” she says. While faith is central, inclusivity remains essential. “Although we are a Christian organization, we welcome nursing students and faculty of all faiths.”

Upcoming plans include a Beach Clean-Up Day, assembling care packages for children at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, continued participation in Boca Helping Hands and local charity walks, and new outreach efforts such as donating turkeys to the rural community of Pahokee. And, of course, Operation Christmas Child will remain an annual tradition.

Together, FAU’s Nurses Christian Fellowship members are modeling what healthcare can, and should, look like: compassionate, holistic, spiritually grounded, and deeply human.

For more information, visit www.nursing.fau.edu.