WHAT CAN A PARISH NURSE DO FOR YOUR CONGREGATION?
A Parish Nurse can function as
· Health educator
· Health consultant
· Health advocate
· Referral facilitator
· Volunteer coordinator
· Integrator of faith and health
· Evaluator of health status
· Health and functional needs evaluator
· Health program planner
A PARISH NURSE CAN
v Assist individuals with accessing parts of the health system; that is,
o help arrange for medical care
o explain specific treatment options
o negotiate with insurances
o arrange transportation to appointments
v Provide referral resources for specific health issues; for example,
o stop smoking programs
o drug and alcohol programs
v Assess physical or mental problems and help the individual to initiate health care contacts
v Assist individuals in developing healthy lifestyle practices and plans
v Provide individuals/groups with information about specific health problems, diseases and/or good health practices.
v Provide group education programs
v Provide general health and disease information via Parish newsletters / bulletins
v Provide information / advocacy for aftercare resources following hospitalization
v Assist with end of life decisions / forms: living will, durable power of attorney for health care, body or organ donation.
v Facilitate support groups
v Visit persons in hospitals, nursing homes, the homebound
v Provide emotional / spiritual support; assist individuals and families in integrating body / mind / spirit responses to health care issues
v Help individuals with stress and their emotional responses to life situations
v Monitor / assess status of persons with chronic or episodic health concerns
v Help parishes identify and define healthy habits and practices
WHY PARISH NURSING?
Among its many other functions and purposes, a Church serves as a healing community. We know from Scripture that Jesus went about healing people, and instructed His disciples to do the same. As disciples of Jesus and members of the Body of Christ, the Church continues Jesus’ mission of healing.
WHO IS A PARISH NURSE?
A Parish Nurse is a registered nurse, licensed by the State.
A Parish Nurse has completed a Parish Nurse course of study in addition to what is required for graduation from an accredited school of nursing.
A Parish Nurse is a person of faith whose mission is to bring compassion, health and healing of body, mind and spirit to individuals, families and Parishes.
Tri-Parish Nursing Ministry is a program of Parish Nursing services developed in 2001 by three Evangelical Lutheran Congregations:
Lutheran Church of the Living Christ
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
Christ the King Lutheran Church
For more information about the Tri-Parish Nursing Ministry program, you may contact
Pastor Beverly Jo Arnold
Lutheran Church of the Living Christ
2725 Concord Drive
Florissant, MO 63033
314-839-0466
PARISH NURSING MINISTRY
Bringing compassion, health and healing of body, mind and spirit to
Parishes and their members
Tri Parish Nursing Ministry:
Lutheran Church of the Living Christ
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church
Unity Evangelical Lutheran Church
7/21/2015