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Parish Nurses are dedicated to facilitating the health and well being of the faith community. This healthcare ministry is provided at no cost to the members of the congregation.
The roles of the Parish Nurse are:
Health Educator
- Coordinates classes on how to achieve/maintain health.
- Provides written and verbal health info, i.e., exercise, diet, stress management, aging, parenting, teenage concerns/issues, and child growth and development.
- Provides health screening.
- Assists persons to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors.
- Provides health resources.
Health Counselor
- Visits members in their homes or hospitals, and nursing homes.
- Counsels members on health-related issues.
- Offers presence, support and prayer during times of difficulty, grief, crisis, and celebration.
Integrator of Faith & Health
- Helps members understand the relationship between body, mind, and spirit.
- Assist persons to identify more deeply, the relationship of faith with their health, by discovering the deeper beliefs and values that affect their health.
Referral Source and Health Advocate
- Provides linkage to existing healthcare programs and services.
- Assists in obtaining needed health services.
- Listening carefully; supporting persons to do what they can do; being their voice when they have none.
Developer of Support Groups
- Provides education, resources, & companionship of others with like experiences.
Trainer of Volunteers
- A clinical resource and support to volunteers.
- Coordinates/Facilitates volunteer programs.
- With service as the basis of a spiritual life, encourages members of the congregation to share of their time, knowledge, skills & talents.
Parish Nurses do not duplicate or replace other healthcare professionals in the community, but work collaboratively with them. |