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Parish nursing is a growing specialty practice of nursing, recognized by the American Nursing Association as Faith Community Nursing. It is also a ministry that is embraced by many different Christian denominations as well as several other faith traditions. By viewing the:
one can understand the foundation of this ministry.
As with other specialties, there are specific qualifications for those entering parish nursing. The person must be a registered nurse, with at least 2-5 years of experience where skills have been developed for health assessment and problem-solving. For additional information on parish nurse skill sets, click here.
Training specifically designed for health ministry is necessary to understand the focus and tasks of the ministry. Courses are available in many locations throughout the US and in several countries on five continents. Basic Preparation Classes for parish nursing are in a variety of formats including weekly classes, on-line courses, retreat settings, and combinations of independent study and class work.
Browse the Resources section of our website for additional information, books, and DVDs on Parish Nursing.
Philosophy of Parish Nursing Parish nursing is a recognized specialty practice that combines professional nursing and health ministry. Parish nursing emphasizes health and healing within a faith community. The philosophy of parish nursing embraces four major concepts: spiritual formation; professionalism; shalom as health and wholeness; and community, incorporating culture and diversity.
- SPIRIT - The spiritual dimension is central to parish nursing practice. Personal spiritual formation is an ongoing, essential component of practice for the parish nurse and includes both self-care and hospitality, through opening the heart to self and others. Spiritual formation is an intentional process of intimacy with God to foster spiritual growth.
- ROOTS - The parish nurse role reclaims the historic roots of professional nursing. Aspects of health and healing found in many faith traditions are embodied in the role of the parish nurse. The parish nurse practices under the scope and standards of practice and the ethical code of nursing as set forth in their country.
- SHALOM - The parish nurse understands health to be a dynamic process that embodies the spiritual, psychological, physical, and social dimensions of the person. Shalom, God's intent for harmony and wholeness, serves as a foundation for understanding health. A sense of well being can exist in the presence of imbalance, and healing can exist in the absence of cure.
- COMMUNITY - The practice of parish nursing focuses on a faith community. The parish nurse, in collaboration with the pastoral staff and congregants, participates in the ongoing transformation of the faith community into sources of health and healing. Through partnership with other community health resources, parish nursing fosters new and creative responses to health and wellness concerns. Parish nurses appreciate that all persons are sacred and must be treated with respect and dignity. The parish nurse serves the faith community, creates safe and sacred places for healing, and advocates with compassion, mercy, and dignity.
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Root Assumption of Parish Nursing Parish nursing is rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition, and the historic practice of professional nursing, and is consistent with the basic assumptions of many faiths that we care for self and others as an expression of God's love.
back to top Strategic Vision for Parish Nursing Access to a parish nurse in every faith community.
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