Secular vs. Christian Healthcare Facilities: Advice for Young Healthcare Worker

DruryGirl · #1 29th December 2007, 01:14 PM

As of right now I am just a lowly nursing assistant (CNA) who has spent 3-1/2 years working in nursing homes. But in May, I am going to be graduating from college and becoming an occupational therapy assistant (COTA).

The time has come for me to start searching job prospects. I am particularly interested if people could share perspectives on secular vs. Christian-based healthcare facilities or programs.

It is important to me that I be able to minister to people as a Christian. So on the one hand, I would like to be part of a team of people who are all part of that mission. Yet I know I have heard that many "Christian" healthcare programs aren't very Christian at all, and if they're not for real then I'd rather just work for a secular facility.

At any rate I really hope wherever I work I have somebody else who's Christian because I'm the kind of person, I'm timid and mild- mannered and need a lot of support.

People who have ministered in secular healthcare, people who have ministered in Christian-based healthcare, do you have stories and/or advice for this young job seeker? (I'm 22.) Thank you.

godismyabba · #2 8th January 2008, 03:36 PM

First, I want to thank you for being a CNA. Your group is one of the hardest workers and the least thanked. You are appreciated.
2nd, congrats on finishing school.
3rd, I work for a Christian Non-profit nursing home. I have worked for banks, title companies, fast food. I am not paid a lot, because our reimbursement from the federal and state government limits our capacity to pay well. I would not trade this job for the world. (I do payroll mostly). I love the residents, I love the employees. I pray with my boss, we pray for our co-workers, we pray for our organization. You have the opportunity to minister to the elderly (not all are believers), and to comfort them. I feel like I make a difference in the life of my residents. I know people have left our employ to seek higher paying jobs at the hospital. I can't tell you how many come back after a few years.

I hope this helps. Most of all pray and see where God wants you to go. Then listen, He will not give you bad advice!!
Love, Melissa

Originally Posted by DruryGirl

As of right now I am just a lowly nursing assistant (CNA) who has spent 3-1/2 years working in nursing homes. But in May, I am going to be graduating from college and becoming an occupational therapy assistant (COTA).

Originally Posted by DruryGirl

The time has come for me to start searching job prospects. I am particularly interested if people could share perspectives on secular vs. Christian-based healthcare facilities or programs.

It is important to me that I be able to minister to people as a Christian. So on the one hand, I would like to be part of a team of people who are all part of that mission. Yet I know I have heard that many "Christian" healthcare programs aren't very Christian at all, and if they're not for real then I'd rather just work for a secular facility.

At any rate I really hope wherever I work I have somebody else who's Christian because I'm the kind of person, I'm timid and mild- mannered and need a lot of support.

People who have ministered in secular healthcare, people who have ministered in Christian-based healthcare, do you have stories and/or advice for this young job seeker? (I'm 22.) Thank you.

DruryGirl · #3 10th January 2008, 11:49 PM

First, I want to thank you for being a CNA. Your group is one of the hardest workers and the least thanked. You are appreciated.
2nd, congrats on finishing school.

Thank you kindly.

3rd, I work for a Christian Non-profit nursing home. I have worked for banks, title companies, fast food. I am not paid a lot, because our reimbursement from the federal and state government limits our capacity to pay well. I would not trade this job for the world. (I do payroll mostly). I love the residents, I love the employees. I pray with my boss, we pray for our co-workers, we pray for our organization. You have the opportunity to minister to the elderly (not all are believers), and to comfort them. I feel like I make a difference in the life of my residents. I know people have left our employ to seek higher paying jobs at the hospital. I can't tell you how many come back after a few years.

Wow...that sounds perfect. Do you mind if I ask how you found out about this place? (And are they hiring COTA's?

) That sounds like my
dream work environment. I guess salary will always be an issue, but I'm a CNA so I'm used to struggling!

I hope this helps. Most of all pray and see where God wants you to go. Then listen, He will not give you bad advice!!

Always good bottom-line advice. I really appreciate your input.

Johnnz · #4 19th January 2008, 09:52 AM

It will depend on who you work for. Many Christian workplaces are no better than non Christian ones. Some non Christian ones are better than some Christian ones.

Recognise that all care, all compassion, all useful knowledge, all good organisation, all derive from God anyway. The sense of mission can be very real in some non Christian workplaces too.

John
NZ

DruryGirl · #5 25th January 2008, 09:55 PM

Thank you, John.