What is a Parish Nurse ?

The Parish Nurse is a professional member of the ministry team
(volunteer or paid ) who combines professional nursing expertise with
faith concepts to facilitate the healing mission of a congregation . A
Parish Nurse is a LINK between faith and health, helping people connect
what they believe with life choices.

What are the criteria for becoming a Caring Congregational parish
nurse ?
... A RN in the state of practice.
... Experienced in a clinical setting (3+yrs ).
... Expresses a sense of call to health ministry.
...A member of the congregation for at least one year.
...Able to practice independently within the guidelines set by the
"Scope and Standards of Parish Nursing Practice".
... Has personal liability insurance.
...Willing to participate in ongoing parish nurse formation process.
... Meets other criteria set forth by the nurse's congregation.

What is the focus of Parish Nursing ?
...The focus is health promotion / illness prevention know in faith
communities as''stewardship of the body''. A parish nurse reclaims the
Biblical understanding of the dynamic integration of body , mind.
spirit, emotions and social situations . The call of a parish nurse is
to walk with people through the transitions of life, help people grow
spiritually and find language of hope in the midst of these transitions.

What is the Parish Nursing goal ?
...The goal is to allow God to touch another person through you ,to
put the person being cared for in a position to be conscious of the
presence of God in his / her life and current situation.

What are the traits of a faithful Parish Nurse ?
...God centered.
...Able to work independently.
...Skillful , professional communication, both verbal and written form.
...Knowledge of the role of the Spirit in living into wholeness for self
and others.
...Skills as a change agent , the ability to make things happen.
...Uses the nursing process in ministry.
...Listens, listens, and listens.

I sincerely hope this information on the Parish Nurse ministry is a
blessing to you.

All God's blessings.
Marcia Rudat R.N.,
C.H.A.I.N. Parish Nurse for St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, Dickson City