by Kelly McCallister, BSN, RN, LAS

Working in pregnancy help can feel very isolating. Unchecked isolation can progress to burnout. The American Nurses Association reports about two-thirds of nurses experience burnout, with around 69% of those being under age 25. One would think younger nurses would be more resilient, but it seems that all are susceptible.

When I began working in pregnancy help, I felt very alone and wondered what I had gotten myself into. Nursing clinicals didn’t include a rotation in pregnancy help and as I graduated nursing school, this area of nursing was never presented as an option. Chances are you, too, found yourself here as a result of the word of mouth because some sweet soul thought that you would make a most wonderful addition to the local pregnancy help organization. You prayed about it, talked with your family about it, prayed about it some more, and felt that ever gentle nudge to join in this service. However, once you took that leap of faith, it probably didn’t take long to see the surroundings were very unfamiliar.

I was the only nurse at my Pregnancy Help Medical Clinic (PHMC) for many years. The work was not quite the same as any other nursing position that I had ever held and the only nurse to confer with was - myself! I really had to lean into the training that I received in nursing school preparing me for independent nursing practice. Policies and procedures, doctor’s orders, and guidance from professional organizations felt like a lifeline on my PHMC island.

Feeling isolated and even helpless can create the perfect environment for weariness and spiritual heaviness. The false belief that you carry everything on your shoulders and whether or not this mother will choose life is your burden to bear can creep in easily.

The term “moral injury” was originally a military term that described the moral conflict a soldier felt from events witnessed or even performed during warfare. During the coronavirus pandemic, the term moral injury migrated over to healthcare workers due to the conditions they were forced to work in which created a sense of powerlessness and moral distress.

In 2023, moral injury was further explored among healthcare missionaries serving in the mission field and revealed seven major themes:

1. A deep sense of responsibility for patients
2. Differing cultural values
3. The need to be professionally competent and the conflict with personal feelings of inadequacy
4. The struggle between practicing within one’s training and another’s desire for one to step outside of that and do more than they are trained to do
5. Desire to share God’s message of love balanced with the demand for the clinical services needed
6. Faith in God’s sovereignty in conflict with the suffering and loss of lives
7. Strong sense of obligation to serve others colliding with personal family responsibilities and one’s own spiritual growth

Sound familiar? We serve in a very emotionally and spiritually demanding environment. Oftentimes, we are the first to love and the last to see.

But, we also have a God that is near.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

After witnessing many working in pregnancy help for years and not only surviving, but thriving - there is encouragement for you, too! You are not the only one in this work, nor do you have to suffer silently. One study shares that social support is critical to reducing loneliness and aiding in the prevention of burnout. Many strides have been made over the years to help bring medical professionals that work in pregnancy help together. One of the most beautifully unifying elements for us is that we are all here for the same reason - to serve. To serve women and families in need. To bring hope to desperate situations. To shine lights in the ever-encroaching darkness.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5

What are some ways that you can connect with other medical professionals in this work?

• Attend conferences - Many national organizations hold annual conferences to help equip you for this work. It is empowering to see everyone come together from all over and connect with one another, sometimes even from across the world!
• Participate in state coalitions - State pregnancy center coalitions have become more and more prevalent over the years. These are great because they connect those in pregnancy help that reside in the same state. Often sharing and learning from others in your state can be insightful due to the different nuances that state guidelines can have.
• Network with nurses in PHMCs near you - You may have another Pregnancy Help Medical Clinic near you that you can connect with for encouragement and support along the way. Reach out, introduce yourself, and start a relationship. They would probably love that and it could prove to be mutually beneficial for both PHMCs!

Pregnancy Help Medical Clinics may operate differently, but all Pregnancy Help Medical Clinics are an essential part of their communities - helping women and families get the care they deserve and giving them the support they need to reach their full potential! This work is important and you are deeply appreciated. God has placed this calling on your life because He loves those you serve and He loves you!

 Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep—through the blood of the everlasting covenant, equip you with everything good to do his will, working in us what is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21

If you feel like you need further training or could benefit from additional education related to pregnancy help, Heartbeat International offers learning pathway opportunities. Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we would be happy to send you more information!