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Parish Nurses
Parish Nursing is a
specialized practice of professional nursing and its primary
focus is the intentional care of the spirit. Faith and
healthcare are clearly linked and spiritual care is central in
promoting holistic health. Parish Nurse's provide holistic
health services addressing the needs of the body, mind and
spirit in the individual faith community. In unity with the
mission of both the faith community and LMHS Parish Nurse
Program, the parish nurse roll provides a unique alliance
between faith and health and is an important liaison between
pastor, parishioners, healthcare 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 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.
For more information, please contact our Parish Nurse Manager, Nancy Roberts
- Nancy.Roberts@LeeMemorial.org
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