Sign Up for eNotes
Receive periodic updates about what's going on with the International Parish
Nurse Resource Center and in the global parish nurse community. It's
free! Click here to sign up now.
Parish nurses assist individuals, families, and communities to find wholeness in a variety of faiths, cultures, and countries. The focus of their work is on the intentional care of the spirit through whatever faith foundation, rituals, or beliefs their clients practice. They also factor into their care the local culture and health care delivery system as they assist their client’s search for health and healing.
Some of the services a parish nurse can provide:
- Assistance with accessing and navigating the local/regional/national health system and available community resources
- Programs to promote healthy physical and spiritual lives
- Education for individuals, of any age, on specific health issues
- Support groups for either members or a community outreach ministry
- Health screenings and teaching for cholesterol, diabetes, depression, etc.
- Guidance and assistance to new parents on newborn and sibling issues
- Spiritual support and encouragement for the hospitalized / homebound and their families
- Sharing of the denomination’s / faith’s beliefs and rituals to foster a sense of family and healing
The belief that health is a journey toward well being and is the interrelationship of body, mind and spirit is core to parish nursing. Health is not merely the absence of disease. It is related to everything a person does, thinks, and feels; therefore parish nurses focus on the whole person as they promote wellness, disease prevention, health education, and healthy spirituality.
Roles of the Parish Nurse
- Integrator of Faith and Health - Works to improve health of body, mind, spirit, community and creation.
- Health Educator - Provides opportunities to learn about health issues.
- Health Counselor - Discusses health concerns, emphasizing early response to problems and encouraging healthy lifestyles.
- Referral Advisor - Provides referral to healthcare and social services.
- Health Advocate - Speaks out to help others obtain needed health services.
- Developer of Support Groups - Facilitates support groups for the community.
- Volunteer Coordinator - Coordinates volunteers who help those in need.