S4E6: Hope for the Downcast Soul

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In this episode, critical care nurse and educator Timothy Osterhaus, RN, MSN reflects on serving in a COVID-19 ICU and the burnout, grief, and spiritual struggles that followed. Guided by Psalm 42:3-8, Tim shares how relentless loss challenged his sense of purpose and faith, yet ultimately revealed God's steady presence in the midst of exhaustion. His story offers encouragement to nurses facing burnout, reminding them to be honest about their struggles, place their hope in God, and trust that difficult seasons can lead to renewed faith and purpose.

Psalm 42:3-8: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2042%3A3-8&version=NIV

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Please send us your questions and stories about this episode. Send them in writing, audio or video file. Send them to ncf@intervarsity.org

Find encouragement with NCF’s 4 week bible study, Nursing with Strength that Endures:
https://ncf-jcn.org/resources/nursing-strength-endures-4-week-series

Produced by InterVarsity Nurses Christian Fellowship USA

Hosted by Lara Kay Kaiser

Podcase Website: https://followingjesusinnursing.transistor.fm/

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Creators and Guests

Host

Lara Kay Kaiser

Lara is an Associate Director of Student Ministries for InterVarsity's Nurses Christian Fellowship. She lives in Jacksonville, FL with her husband, son, and two cats. After graduating from Michigan State University in 2012, she came on staff with InterVarsity as a campus minister and then area director in southeast Michigan before joining the NCF team. Her hobbies include indoor rock climbing, volleyball, crocheting, and hanging out at the beach.

Guest

Timothy Osterhaus, RN, MSN

I went to Lewis University for my accelerated BSN. I have spent my entire nursing career of 14 years in critical care between four different hospitals, split between Illinois and Wisconsin. While I still enjoy bedside nursing, I love teaching new nurses. I have been a preceptor for several years. I started clinical instruction at MSOE in December 2020. I completed my MSN in nursing Education in 2021 from Lewis University and have started my fifth year as full-time faculty at Milwaukee School of Engineering. I have finished my first year of my PhD program at Liberty University. Before nursing, I was an aircraft mechanic for 13 years, six in the Marine Corps. I have a degree in Aircraft Maintenance and Management from Lewis University. (Kinda sold my soul to Lewis 😂) I have an amazing wife of 17 years, Julie, twin girls Evelyn(11) and Kira(11), and a son Jackson(9).

S4E6: Hope for the Downcast Soul

Creators and Guests

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