What Is a Parish Nurse?
Parish Nurses are also known as Congregational Nurses, Health Ministers, Faith Community Nurses, and other denomination specific names. *We have chosen to retain the title of parish nurse that this ministry began with.
The Parish Nurse is a HEALING PRESENCE within the faith community.
Parish nurses are specially trained Registered Nurses with active licensure who direct and coordinate health and wellness ministry programs within a congregation in partnership with the pastor and other church staff. These health ministry programs are developed to meet the unique needs of each congregation across the life span of its members. The parish nurse acts as an integrator of faith and health as an educator, counselor, coordinator of volunteers, resource and referral agent, and advocate. Parish nurses are assisted by retired RNs, LPNs, Allied-Health, and lay volunteers known as Health Advocates.
Parish nurses DO NOT PROVIDE “HANDS-ON” PATIENT CARE such as that offered by home health nurses, but instead direct people to the most appropriate health care providers. Parish nurses DO NOT REPLACE THE PASTOR’S HEALING MISSION, but supports and enhances his or her reach and effectiveness. Information packets for nurses, clergy, and others are available on request.
For information on becoming a parish nurse or health advocate, please see the Educational Offerings page.
Philosophy
- All human beings are sacred, and will be treated with respect and dignity
- Parish nurses seek to empower all people to become active partners in managing their personal health care resources
- All nurse and non-nurse participants in parish nurse ministry will maintain the highest professional standards of confidentiality
- Parish nurse ministry will build on and strengthen capabilities of individuals, families, congregations, and communities to care for one another in light of their relationship with God, the faith community, and society
- Parish nurses work in a dynamic partnership of support and service with pastors and other church staff
- Health is a dynamic process which includes spiritual, physical, mental, and social dimensions of a person
- Spiritual health is fundamental to physical, mental, and social health
- Well-being and illness can exist together and healing can occur in the absence of a cure for specific illness or injury.
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