by Sarah Mummert, Student Public Relations Writer
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 46% of health care workers reported feeling burnout in 2022, a 14% increase from 2018.
What is causing this feeling, and how can it be corrected? While health care scholars are asking if religion can help reduce health care burnout, Cedarville University’s Dr. Michael Sherr, professor of social work, believes it can. Sherr, co-author of “Scriptures and Scrubs: A Christian Calling to Healthcare,” addresses in the book how a Christian health care worker can combat burnout by staying centered on biblical truths.
Dr. Angie Mickle, dean of the school of nursing and co-author of the book, agrees with Sherr’s assessment.
“After 30 years of nursing, I can boldly state that serving on the frontlines is laborious and that the journey can become wearisome,” said Mickle. “‘Scripture and Scrubs’ provides a lens into the importance of having Christ at the center of our lives so we care with joy while reflecting his unconditional love.”In the book’s opening chapters, Sherr and Mickle unpack how Christian health care professionals are servants of God’s common grace, which is God’s kindness to all people, regardless of belief. This helps prevent burnout by giving health 
care professionals the eternal perspective they need to keep serving on the front lines — namely, that they are making a difference for the gospel of Jesus Christ through serving patients.
The second half of the book explores five spiritual competencies outlined in in the biblical book of 2 Corinthians. These competencies describe what it takes to be a successful and enduring servant of common grace on the front lines.
“If we don’t have a robust faith to deal with the things we see as health care workers, in our sinful nature we’ll find other ways to cope, and many things we turn to are detrimental,” said Sherr.
Dr. Jason Lee, director of Cedarville’s Center for Biblical Integration, contributed to the book from a theological perspective.
“Christians have a call and a duty to glorify God in every area of our lives, including our work,” said Lee. “‘Scripture and Scrubs’ is meant to encourage and equip Christians who are answering the call to the stress-filled front lines of health care.”
Sherr and Mickle understand what it’s like to be in the trenches, fighting for those who are suffering. Their perspective can bring hope and endurance to health care workers who want to use their profession to change the world for Christ.
The book will be published by B&H Academic in early 2025 and can be ordered on Amazon.
Cedarville University, a Baptist institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by the Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
