Why I Believe Nursing Is a Calling: My Journey as a Christian Cardiac Nurse
My Journey into Nursing
My journey into nursing began because of my mother. She was sick for a long time, and I wanted to care for her and for other people who were going through similar experiences. That desire inspired me to become a nurse.
Joining the Nurses and Midwives Christian Fellowship Uganda
A friend introduced me to the Nurses and Midwives Christian Fellowship Uganda by sharing a link with me.
As a born-again Christian, I was encouraged to discover a fellowship of Christian nurses and midwives who desired to serve God through their profession. It inspired me to become part of the fellowship
Growing Spiritually and Professionally
The fellowship has helped shape both my spiritual life and my work.
It has trained me to be salt and light and to integrate my Christian faith into my nursing practice. Through webinars and other training, I have grown in my skills and knowledge while learning to be a faithful witness for Christ in my workplace.
The fellowship’s emphasis on Christlikeness, character, compassion and authentic influence has strengthened me in my service.
Caring for Patients Beyond Their Medical Needs
Working with heart patients has taught me that caring for people goes beyond treating illness.
Many patients come from different parts of Uganda and stay in the hospital for long periods. Families often spend all they have on treatment and may struggle to afford food or medicine.
Sometimes I choose to give my lunch to a patient or caregiver who has nothing to eat. Other times, I provide counselling and pray with patients and families who are facing difficult diagnoses, especially when congenital heart defects bring fear and uncertainty. During those moments, I try to support them with compassion and hope.
Facing Challenges Together
Heavy workloads are a reality in healthcare.
The fellowship has helped me through prayer, fellowship and reading God’s Word. Sharing with other Christian nurses encourages me and helps relieve the stress that comes with the profession.
What Being Salt and Light Means to Me
To me, being salt and light means being an example, showing humility, kindness and empathy, and serving every patient with compassion.
My Encouragement to Other Nurses
I encourage fellow nurses and midwives to put God at the centre of everything they do and to trust Him.
Nursing is not simply a profession—it is a calling.
The Bible verse that continually encourages me is Matthew 25:40:
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Ahabwe Abasi, a cardiac nurse at the Uganda Heart Institute