Some frequently asked questions about Parish Nursing...

What is parish nursing?

Parish Nursing is professional nursing practice focusing on the promotion of wellness and health maintenance. It holds the spiritual dimension to be central to the practice but also encompasses the physical, psychological and social dimensions of nursing. There are currently 6,000 practicing Parish Nurses serving faith communities in the United States and Canada.

Where is Parish Nursing Practiced?

Parish Nursing is practiced within a faith community and is based upon the assessed needs of the congregation or group within that community. The Parish Nurse collaborates with clergy and pastoral care providers.

What do Parish Nurses do??

The role of the Parish Nurses varies depending on the needs of the parishioners. The Parish Nurse serves as an integrator of faith and health, an educator about health concerns, a referral source, a liaison between the congregation and community resources, a developer of support groups, a facilitator of volunteers and a health advocate. In these roles the parish nurse functions as a wellness advocate, develops and teaches short courses in health and health care, screens for existing or potential health problems, clarifies physician directions, initiates health and safety assessments, listens, offers prayer and maintains confidentiality.

The Parish Nursing table at the recent Ministries Fair

When is the parish nurse available?

The parish nurse is available after Sunday morning services. Hours are flexible and your are encouraged to call the church office (474-5490) to request services and a parish nurse will return your call.

Will the congregation as a whole benefit from parish nursing?

Parish nursing organizes, trains, and provides consistent volunteer service to the congregation. It raises the awareness of the congregation to this ministry’s effect on the spiritual, emotional and physical health of the whole Christian community. It has been shown that in a congregation committed to parish nursing a deeper sense of Christian community exists than ever before.

What is the parish nursing advisory committee?

The parish nursing advisory committee is comprised of volunteer health professionals. The committee is concerned about the parish health and is committed to the health/healing ministry of the church. The committee serves in an advisory role to the Parish nursing ministry and is responsible to the Congregation, Rector and Vestry of the church.

Parish nursing advisory committee

Glenn Chichester, Kathie Gregory, Ray Schaney, James Steele, Sharon Ulrich, Joyce Wilhelm