Thoughts on Being a

Parish Nurse

You welcome me with warm embrace,

I see a joy upon your face

We sit a while and start to chat,

Discussing this and sometimes that.

At times we laugh, sometimes we weep.

Each worry that you give to me

Releases bonds and sets you free.

There seems so much that we can say,

Then comes the time to softly pray. 

It's then I feel a healing calm

Soul soothing from some sacred balm.

I wonder do you feel it too?

Each visit brings something new.

It's hard to measure outcomes here

Except in terms of copious cheer.

The hours that I spend with you

Are ones which certainly renew

My faith and brings such loving grace.

I see all that upon your face.

How blessed I feel you let me share

Your life, your heart, your every care.

God's graces pour out over me

In every moment of this ministry.

What is a Parish Nurse?

Health Counselor, Facilitator and Educator

The Parish Nurse works with pastoral staff to identify and respond to the health and health-related needs of the members of the congregation/faith community.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

The parish nurse is expected to participate in the life and activities of the congregation as a member of the parish staff.  It is expected that the nurse's activities will be influenced and defined by the unique needs of the congregation.

These activities may include, but are not limited to:

• Serves as personal health counselor to the congregation's members, staff, and community

• Promotes an understanding of the relationship between lifestyles, attitudes, faith, and well-being through such activities as classes, seminars, health fairs, and educational materials

• Serves as a resource.  Demonstrates knowledge of community services and agencies in order to make appropriate referrals.

• Serves as a liaison between congregation and agencies within the community as needed.

• Recruits and coordinates volunteers who provide support to parishioners in identified areas of need.

• Facilitates the creation of support groups within the congregation.

• Functions as an active member of the congregation's pastoral staff.

• Works closely with the (Health and Wellness Cabinet) and utilizes the (cabinet) to assist in defining and evaluating activities appropriate for the congregation.

• Maintains appropriate records and statistical data necessary to document the functions and activities of the parish nurse service.

Responsibilities to Relating Institution:

• Represent the institution

• Attend educational sessions provided in response to identified learning needs

• Offer and receive professional support to and from the peer group and the health care institution's multidisciplinary staff

• Maintain appropriate statistical data and reports for the institution

• Interact and cooperate with appropriate directors, faculty, committees of the institution

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Current license as registered nurse in state of practice

• Three to five years of nursing experience; (experience in community health nursing, community mental health, older adult nursing, multidisciplinary teams desirable)

• Able to understand and communicate concepts of the interrelatedness of body, mind and spirit to health and wellness

• Understand and be committed to the church's mission in health and healing in light of current issues of society

• Well developed communication, interpersonal and caring skills