Starting a PN ministry

michelangelo · Jan 28, 2006

Hi everyone! We just started a new parish nursing ministry in our church. I have researched off and on about PN for over a year. We do not have a budget and the church has some questions. I contacted 2 lawyers and they both gave two different answers regarding liability. Of course the answer I liked came from a Christian lawyer.
Q: Do we have to have a medical director? (that one came from our paramedic)
Q: If we offer screenings, how do we go about getting around liability?
Q: Has anyone taken these online or correspondence courses for PN?
Well, that's all for now. Thanks for you help! Leilani

Hi Mickey - I am currently taking Parish Nurse Program through University of Alberta, CAN, online. First course is about Team Ministry (4mo), then 8mo of Christian doctrine and then 4mo on Parish Nsg app. You can check out site at http://www.concordia.ab.ca

NaomieRN · Jan 28, 2006

Good luck with the parish ministry.

jobema3b · Apr 16, 2007

We are just beginning a Parish Health Ministry. I took an online course thru St. Louis University in Parish Nursing. I highly recommend this course. It gives lots of good info and answered a lot of my questions.

I am also fortunate to have an experienced Parish Nurse at a neighboring church who is more than happy to advise me.

We do not have a medical director because, as has been mentioned, we are working under the Nurse Practice Act for our state. Several APNs, as well as physicians have volunteered to be part of this ministry. In the meantime, we are visiting nursing home residents and shut-ins. We will begin doing blood pressure screenings one weekend each month, after each service.

I am really excited about the possbilities for this ministry. I've always wanted to be able to combine my Faith and Nursing. This is the perfect avenue for that.

MickeymomRN · Apr 17, 2007

WOW! It's been that long since I started this thread?? Well, I guess it's time for an update.

Yes, I started a Health Ministry (aka Parish Nursing) at our church as stated above. I did take a Basic Prep Parish Nurse Course thru Saint Louis University School of Nursing that was also mentioned in someone's reply. It was awesome!! I also have become active with Nurses Christian Fellowship and am very slowly starting up a local chapter in my area. I also took the METS training which can be found on http://www.gomets.com (or org. can't remember which one). Those were the coolest 4 days! As for what we're doing at church, here are the activities that we "sponsor": blood drives, AHA Heartsaver classes, during church activities we have a first responder team, and ready???!!! this coming Saturday, a team from our ministry is leaving for Honduras to give medical/evangelism. Please, pray for them. Thanks! So that's my update, isn't that cool? I hope that this inspires you guys! Lots of prayers and research helped me out. And waiting for God's timing. He's in control!!

Columnist · Apr 17, 2007

We are just beginning a Parish Health Ministry. I took an online course thru St. Louis University in Parish Nursing. I highly recommend this course. It gives lots of good info and answered a lot of my questions.
I am also fortunate to have an experienced Parish Nurse at a neighboring church who is more than happy to advise me.
We do not have a medical director because, as has been mentioned, we are working under the Nurse Practice Act for our state. Several APNs, as well as physicians have volunteered to be part of this ministry. In the meantime, we are visiting nursing home residents and shut-ins. We will begin doing blood pressure screenings one weekend each month, after each service.
I am really excited about the possbilities for this ministry. I've always wanted to be able to combine my Faith and Nursing. This is the perfect avenue for that.

Hi jobema3b and welcome to the Parish Nurse forum.:welcome:

I'm so glad to hear about your new career as a Parish Nurse. I'm sure you will receive many blessings as you minister to others. It is a wonderful way to combine your love for the Lord and your nursing knowledge. Your congregation is fortunate to have you.

Columnist · Apr 17, 2007

WOW! It's been that long since I started this thread?? Well, I guess it's time for an update.
Yes, I started a Health Ministry (aka Parish Nursing) at our church as stated above. I did take a Basic Prep Parish Nurse Course thru Saint Louis University School of Nursing that was also mentioned in someone's reply. It was awesome!! I also have become active with Nurses Christian Fellowship and am very slowly starting up a local chapter in my area. I also took the METS training which can be found on www.gomets.com (or org. can't remember which one). Those were the coolest 4 days! As for what we're doing at church, here are the activities that we "sponsor": blood drives, AHA Heartsaver classes, during church activities we have a first responder team, and ready???!!! this coming Saturday, a team from our ministry is leaving for Honduras to give medical/evangelism. Please, pray for them. Thanks! So that's my update, isn't that cool? I hope that this inspires you guys! Lots of prayers and research helped me out. And waiting for God's timing. He's in control!!

Hi MickeymomRN!! I'm so glad you came back to update us about your Parish Nurse program. I can read the excitement in your post. Good luck with your program and the wonderful ministry you are providing!! Please continue to keep us updated.

nurse4Him · May 21, 2008

Well it's been about three years of stewing and praying and thinking about health ministry. I believe our church family is ready for it. Pastor F was already sold three years ago - but left it up to me. I just met with our CARE team and next stop is a presentation to the Church Executive. Looks like I should be starting up a trial period by September. This is really big for me - and exciting! Hoping to take the PN course within the next year. :nurse:

nurse4Him · May 21, 2008

Looking for Canadian Parish nurses... any in Manitoba?

I am in Roblin, Manitoba.

Columnist · May 21, 2008

Hello nurse4Him

Good luck in your efforts to set up a Parish Nurse ministry in your church!