What Is A Parish Nurse?

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Each month, I like to share an opportunity that helps you expand your reach as a volunteer. Today, let’s look at the role of the parish nurse (also called a faith community nurse) in the long-term care setting.

What is a Parish Nurse?

According to NCF, parish nursing is defined as, “With a focus on intentional care of the spirit, they assist members of the faith community to maintain or regain wholeness in body, mind, and spirit”.

Most parish nurses work in conjunction with a church, although some are employed by health care facilities or social service agencies. Many parish nurses receive a salary while others volunteer their services.

When we think of parish nurses, we usually think of the Christian faith. However, you might also meet nurses from other faiths who serve in similar roles. For example, there are Jewish Congregational Nurses and Muslim Crescent Nurses.

How do I become a Parish Nurse?

Most parish nurses hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing and have at least 2 years of nursing experience. In addition, they complete a specialized training course that is generally offered through a college or university.

What is the role of the Parish Nurse in the long-term care setting?

Parish nurses provide a wide variety of support services for residents, family members, and staff. These are just a few of the many possibilities:

• Help residents transition from their home to the nursing home
• Lead a support group for residents and/or their families
• Visit hospitalized residents
• Teach classes for nursing home staff on care-related topics
• Provide extra support when a resident is in the dying process
• Train volunteers to provide spiritual care to residents
• Help residents transition back to their home after discharge from the nursing home
• Assist residents to maintain a connection with their home church
• Provide support to a spouse after their partner enters a nursing home

Interested in learning more?

The Westburg Institute offers lots of excellent resources to help you learn more about parish nursing.

Are there any parish nurses among my readers? Did I miss anything? Please feel free to add your thoughts in the comment section!

 

You might also be interested in learning about opportunities available through the volunteer ombudsman program in the nursing home.