March-April Issue bnf is a Compassion Ministry of WMU March 15, 2022

Meet Our President, Deborah Bolian

Hello bnf!

Who am I?

I am a Mississippi girl, born and raised. I live in the same place I was raised in. I have only briefly lived outside of Mississippi and that was when I went to nursing school in Monroe, La. I graduated nursing school in 1977 and got married in 1979 and was married for 39 years. My husband went to be with Jesus in 2017. I have 4 children, 4 ¼ grands (1 due in Sept), 2 dogs and 2 cats. I was born into my church. I came to know Christ when I was 8, rededicated my life when I was 15. I have a love for the Lord and for sharing His love with others.

I have worked as an ER nurse (only for a week), pediatric nurse, NICU nurse, clinic nurse, med-surg nurse, patient educator, public health nurse, nursing professor, and congregational health nurse. I joined bnf in 1992 and have served in various positions on the local, state, and national level of bnf. I have been on mission trips supported by bnf. I am your president for the next 2 years. I believe in bnf. I LOVE bnf.

Why bnf???

I believe that we are called as health care professionals to be God’s hands and feet and to share His love to all the tribes and nations by using all the gifts God has given us. Bnf is part of the HOW!

We are like minded individuals, all on this journey together. This journey is our testimony. We care share this testimony through bnf. We are to Be FIRM. We are to be faith-full. We are to be intentional. We are to be relentless. We are to be missional. Just as Jesus was.

bnf is committed to this and will strive to lead out-- to “Be FIRM”

My Challenge to you—Let’s climb the “Summit” and for Christ through our caring for others; through our mission trips; through our mentoring other nurses with encouragement and wisdom; though our witness and through our growth as an organization. This is us being faith-full and intentional to do God’s work.

bnf has a new website:

https://www.baptistnursingfellowship.com

Our new website is a great source of resources and bnf information. Updates are occurring weekly so visit often. Coming soon: a bnf members-only page.

March ~ April Health Awareness

March - Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer screening saves lives. Mention a colonoscopy or colorectal cancer to just about anyone and you will see grimaces, hear groans and experience a quick change of subject (or a long dissertation on how their prep went). Yet, regular screening, beginning at age 45, is the key to preventing colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum). If you’re 45 to 75 years old, get screened for colorectal cancer regularly. If you’re younger than 45 and think you may be at high risk of getting colorectal cancer, or if you’re older than 75, talk to your doctor about screening.

Colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms, especially at first. That is why getting screened for colorectal cancer is so important. Several screening tests can be used to find polyps or colorectal cancer, including some that you can do at home. Each test has advantages and disadvantages. Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of each test, and how often to be tested.

April- Public Health

National Public Heath Week is the first week in April. As healthcare professionals we play a major role in the health of communities. The mission of public health is to Promote health, Protect communities from illness and disease, and to Prevent illness and disease.

The vital work of public health and the need for all healthcare partners to work together has never been more evident than in the last 2 years with the COVID pandemic. Public health is more than disease control, public health includes identifying and addressing health disparities such as racial disparities, food insufficiencies, safe neighborhoods, and many more issues.

The work of protecting and improving the health of people and communities will always be present. You are encouraged to celebrate your part in promoting and assuring health in your community. You are also challenged to think of how can you be more involved in promoting health in your community. As this year's theme says, "Public Health is Where YOU are."

Ukraine Refugee Mission Trip

September 9-17, 2022

The Ukraine mission trip is still planned, Due to the current situation we will be ministering to refugees in a nearby country. Bob Taylor, Health Care Coordinator, IMB, writes “Let us emphasize at this point, that until we have additional information, we can have no definite plans for travel at this time, but we would like to be prepared to help in some way to this area.” More information about the trip will be coming as soon as possible.

IF INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THIS BNF SUPPORTED TRIP PLEASE EMAIL Charolette Rock at CSMRock@twc.com or text at 502.974.0665

Next Educational Offering: April 19

Weary, Worn, and Overwhelmed

Presented by Debby Akerman, RN,

BNF President Emerita, WMU President Emerita

Watch your email and the bnf website for

registration information.

Weary, Worn, Overwhelmed. These three words describe the burdened lives of caregivers for those who cannot care for themselves. Whether it is caring for an elderly parent with compromising health challenges, a sudden debilitating health situation with a husband or wife, or a child with a developmental disability - the constant care is a heavy burden for the caregiver. As nurses, we not only are skilled to recognize when stress and compassion fatigue overwhelms a caregiver, but we are accountable to Christ to help ease the burden.

This contact hour will present assessment tools and a concrete plan to ease the burden of caregivers. "Carry each others burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2

bnf In Action

Below are some bnf happenings across the U.S. We want to highlight your state and local ministry activities. Be sure to let us know what you are doing to promote bnf, health, and the gospel in your area. Email Benita Decker at

bldecker58@gmail.com.

2022 BNF Annual Retreat Flyer _2_Be The Light.png

Waccamaw BNF Fall Project

The Waccamaw BNF is one of the South Carolina BNF Regional groups. Our BNF's fall project was delivering baskets of coffee and snacks to 9 different Emergency Departments in our region. Baskets included prayer for nurses bookmarks and "praying for you" rubber band bracelets for the ED staff. Baskets were put together and prayed over at our meeting. ED Staff were prayed for at the time baskets delivered.

Next Virtual Prayer Meeting - May 12th

Watch for more information on the website and in your email.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/

baptist-nursing-fellowship