The Art of Nursing

Creative Expressions of the Healer’s art

With so many undergraduate programs on campus—and several that specifically focus on creativity—one might not expect an abundance of inspiring artwork to come from first-semester nursing students. But when they are invited to create an art piece that addresses their perspective of what it means to be a nurse, these students deliver. Through poetry, painting, music, and sculpture, their creations give us a glimpse into the journey of learning the Healer’s art.

It was fall of 2017 when Cara Wiley, supervisor of the College of Nursing Advisement Center, brought an idea to administrators. She observed that many students coming through her office struggled to understand the Healer’s art. She recognized a need for tools to improve each student’s emotional resilience, communication, growth mindset, and critical thinking skills. To better set students up for success in their education and careers, an orientation course was created and has evolved over time. clarify the program expectations, teach key principles of effective communication, foster clinical judgement, reinforce the values of professional nursing, and help students understand the mission and values of BYU College of Nursing.

As a final project, students choose a course outcome and create an art project to represent their individual growth during the semester. Instead of trying to produce museum-worthy masterpieces, the students focus on expressing what they are learning about themselves, the art of nursing, and the Master Healer they are striving to emulate. The results are touching. We have included a sampling of their submissions.

A painting of Jesus Christ in blue and black in front of an orange sun. — Paige Swallow - Untitled - “One of my favorite aspects of the Nursing program is the emphasis and focus on learning the Healer’s art. It has helped me cultivate a stronger relationship with my Savior.”

A digital painting of two hands with golden halos behind them reaching up towards a human heart with a golden halo behind it. — Olivia Clare - Untitled - "In the painting, the hands aren't symmetrical: one is in a reaching position and the other is in an accepting position. It is important to both reach for and accept Christ's grace as we strive to find harmony between our hands and heart."

Three hand-painted bowls — Madilyn Hull – Untitled - “These pots represent my efforts to let go of my perfectionism, be okay with being seen trying and struggling, step up to challenges, stand out, and give everything to Jesus Christ.”

A photograph waves crash against the sand and underside of an ocean pier with light coming through the wood beams. — Autumn Ferguson - The Light That Breaks Through - "Light poured into my life as I strived to live and learn the nursing values. I know that in this sacred work as a nurse, I will learn and understand these values with time and experience."

A digital painting of a young nurse wearing light blue scrubs assisting a smiling elderly woman in purple using a walker. — Emily Montague - Untitled - “When I was 15 my grandma moved into my family’s basement. She passed away while I was on my mission — before I got into BYU and before I was accepted into nursing school. She never got to see me in my blue BYU scrubs, but I depicted myself wearing them because I want to treat every one of my patients like I would treat my own family.”

A painting of a young woman with brown hair being consumed by dark vines coming up her shoulders and neck while looking up to an illuminated white lily. — Mya Showalter - In the Light - “I can find perfection in Christ, who makes me whole.”

A gray stuffed bear with a bandage and IV dressing sits propped up against a wall. — Olivia Black - Courage - “I created a medical teddy bear that can be used to demonstrate different medical techniques for anxious patients. His name is Courage. This project was designed to knock down communication barriers and expand my horizons on how to better reach my patients.”

A person sitting on a rock looking at the sun — Lily Wells Parkinson - Untitled - “As I live in a way that is in alignment with my values, I feel a sense of internal peace.”

Digital art of a young person hugging Jesus Christ. — Anna Whitmore - Untitled - “I have been holding onto Jesus Christ and doing my best to remind myself just how much He loves me.”

Videos

A young woman in a red shirt sits at the piano with her fingers on the keys.

WATCH: Avery Wright - I Stand All Amazed - "I need to rely on Christ and 'the grace that so fully he proffers me.'"

WATCH: Ashlyn Wettstein - Tribute - "I believe that part of our job as nurses is to bring peace to our patients. I was caring for a resident who was starring to decline, and I had started learning "Tribute," a piano piece by Jon Schmidt. I felt the desire to play for her because I had felt the quiet peace that comes from it. I was grateful to bring a little comfort in a difficult time."