What exactly is parish nursing?

hdnacres · Mar 6, 2006

RetiredMSN - Yes, you answered my question very well, thanks. This is truly a way to show one's dedication to nursing and also what a great way to keep on giving after retirement!

sayitgirl · May 20, 2006

Parish nursing is not a masters level nursing, it is a certificate program that usually is offered by community colleges to the RN population. Check the internet though....

CatsandCradles · May 27, 2006

I have never heard of Parish Nursing, but after reading several threads and post, I must say that I am impressed.

I think it's a wonderful thing to apply your skills to various ministries!

Garnett · Apr 11, 2007

I too am interested in the role of the Parish nurse and what a fulfilling method in growing one's own sprituality and mission to nursing. My question:what have some of you found to be the most vulnerable populations in your parishes and how have you met those challenges?

Thanks so much-Garnett

Columnist · Apr 11, 2007

I too am interested in the role of the Parish nurse and what a fulfilling method in growing one's own sprituality and mission to nursing. My question:what have some of you found to be the most vulnerable populations in your parishes and how have you met those challenges?
Thanks so much-Garnett

Hello Garnett and welcome to allnurses and the Parish Nurse Forum.

Most of my time as a Parish Nurse is spent ministering to the elderly in my congregation meeting their physical, spiritual, and emotional needs through hospital/home visitation, health and social agency referrals, education, health screenings, health counseling, etc. I would be glad to answer any further questions. You may post them here or you may pm me.

Bridey · Aug 25, 2007

Would nuns in Catholic Healthcare settings be considered "Parish Nurses" or is this a speciality for which you have to have specific training in?

Just curious.

Though I'm not interested in becoming a Parish Nurse, I am interested to learn about all the different aspects of nursing positions/specialities.

Thanks!

Columnist · Aug 26, 2007

Most Parish Nurses are RN's who have received specific training.

To find out more about Parish Nursing, read the stickies at the top of this forum. I would be happy to address any further questions about Parish Nursing here or through private message.

guest317 · Mar 1, 2017

I see this is an old thread, but I recently was installed as the Faith Community Nurse in my church. I have been an RN for 35 years and took a course through Eastern Mennonite University to complete the FCN program last year. It was a great course and outlined the specific duties/responsibilities of a Faith Community Nurse. I know so many nurses who have claimed to be the "Parish Nurse" at their church but they did not receive any special training/education. They just offered to do things like B/P clinics etc. Depending on your church, the position of FCN can be paid or not paid. I am doing it on a volunteer basis, expecting no monetary compensation. I am using this as a ministry opportunity to use the gift God has given me to give back to His kingdom and help the congregation be healthy physically and spiritually so they can fulfill the calling God has for them. I am working on getting educational classes for the congregants based on their interests and health issues they may already have. We will be planning blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, weight management and nutrition classes. Remember this position does require HIPPA compliance. Churches tend to be one of the worst organizations to break HIPPA rules. I have purchased dedicated equipment for this ministry, I have purchased HIPPA compliant storage cabinets for medical records and have even gotten HIPPA compliant release forms to be able to share information with personal physicians with client permission. So it is not a "simple" role to take on. There are many things to look at, especially the needs of your church and your community if you will be extending this in that direction. Faith Community Nursing still requires that you adhere to the Nursing Standards of Practice. It is an awesome opportunity to serve your church.