Would like to become a parish nurse

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I notice that there is not much activity on this forum, however I was wondering if I can get some insight on parish nursing. I am actually an APN in Arkansas. I would like to work in my church and community as a parish nurse---volunteer if need be. However I can not find a program, can you or someone help me. Thank you and I wish more parish nurses would post:nurse:

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Specializes in Peds, Med-Surg, Disaster Nsg, Parish Nsg.

hello twalker and welcome to the parish nursing forum!

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there is alot of information about parish nursing in the stickies at the top of this forum. i will be happy to answer any specific questions you have. you may post your questions here or send me a pm.

there are parish nurse programs in arkansas. send me a pm regarding your location and perhaps i can help you locate a program near you.

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Hi twalker and welcome to allnurses.com . . . I am also a Parish Nurse (or Faith Community Nurse).

tnbutterfly is a wealth of knowledge . . . . take her up on her offer of help.

steph

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University Incarante Word has a program they are located in San Antoine Texas

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Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.

I know this post is old, but anyone interested in parish nursing should speak with his/her faith community leader first to see if he/she has resources or interest in starting up a program. In the first church in which I started a parish nurse program, the senior pastor was lukewarm about the idea but the associate pastor was enthusiastic. We kept the program going for about four years until I got busy with other obligations and the associate left for a different position. I've since moved to a different community and a different church and the pastor is very supportive. I'm right now in the planning stage, trying to figure out the needs of my congregation and how we can use parish nursing as an outreach ministry for others in our community.

There are several books about parish nursing that will help you get started. IMHO, Parish Nursing by Solari-Twadell and McDermott is the best reference.

Yeah, let's get some discussion going on this forum!

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Specializes in Peds, Med-Surg, Disaster Nsg, Parish Nsg.

Thanks for your comments, Moogie. Welcome to the Parish Nurse Forum.

You are correct....it is much easier if you have the full support of your ministerial staff. My pastor is a very enthusiastic supporter of the Parish Nurse program.

The book by Solari-Twadell and McDermott is a wonderful reference. I am hoping that we can use this forum as a reference as well. Feel free to post comments and questions.

Also....check out my staff blog Body, Mind, and Soul which contains several threads discussing the spiritual side of nursing. In particular, don't miss the thread What is Parish Nursing. Hopefully we can get some discussion going.

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Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.

You are welcome. I like your blog on Parish Nursing. Didn't realize that The Standards and Scope of Parish Nursing had been updated. Will need to get a new copy eventually!

Another spot of advice for the aspiring parish nurse: Do become familiar with theology and learn about the doctrine of the faith community in which you wish to serve. Some churches are very conservative and have issues with birth control and alternative health modalities. Others are open to a variety of ideas.

TNButterfly, is it okay if I PM you sometime? Might want to share a few parish nurse stories if you'd like.

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Specializes in Peds, Med-Surg, Disaster Nsg, Parish Nsg.

TNButterfly, is it okay if I PM you sometime? Might want to share a few parish nurse stories if you'd like.

Sure...that would be fine.

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Specializes in psych nursing/certified Parish Nurse.
You are welcome. I like your blog on Parish Nursing. Didn't realize that The Standards and Scope of Parish Nursing had been updated. Will need to get a new copy eventually!

Another spot of advice for the aspiring parish nurse: Do become familiar with theology and learn about the doctrine of the faith community in which you wish to serve. Some churches are very conservative and have issues with birth control and alternative health modalities. Others are open to a variety of ideas.

TNButterfly, is it okay if I PM you sometime? Might want to share a few parish nurse stories if you'd like.

Hi moogie, I want to thank you for the Star Trek quote--I love it!:lol2:

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