|
|
spiritual services
parish nurses
|
Parish Nursing is a specialized practice of
professional nursing and its primary focus is the intentional care
of the spirit. Faith and health are clearly linked and spiritual
care is central in promoting wholistic health. Parish Nurse’s
provide wholistic health services addressing the needs of the body,
mind & spirit in the individual and faith community. In unity with
the mission of both the faith community and LMHS Parish Nurse
Program, the parish nurse role provides a unique alliance between
faith and health and is an important liaison between pastor,
parishioners, health care system, physician, and community resources.
There is a difference between a nurse in a church and a parish
nurse, not every person is called or qualified. The parish nurse
bridges two disciplines, nursing and ministry, and must be prepared
in and responsible to both. Qualities needed for this role include a
deep commitment to their own spirituality as well as the healing
mission of the church. Determination of spiritual maturity is
evidenced through the completion of a spiritual autobiography and
interview process with the pastor, parish nurse director, and other
faith community members. Completion of the endorsed Basic Parish
Nurse Preparation Course is required, in addition to attending
monthly PN meetings to share worship, experiences, resources,
encouragement, and organizational issues. The new “Scope and
Standards of Faith Community Nursing” states that the preferred
minimum preparation for an RN or ARNP entering this specialty of
nursing is a baccalaureate or higher degree in nursing, experience
in using the nursing process and knowledge of community resources.
The majority of our Parish Nurses are BSN prepared and several have
Masters with degrees in nursing and business
administration. In addition, all of our Parish Nurses have taken the
Basic Parish Nurse Preparation Course that is endorsed by the
International Parish Nurse Resource Center.
You may contact us at
ParishNurse@LeeMemorial.org |
|
|
