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Some of the services a parish nurse can provide:
- Assistance with accessing and navigating the health system and its resources
- Programs to promote healthy living such as exercise and nutrition
- Education on the health issues of any age groups
- Support groups for church members or the broader community as an outreach ministry
- Health screenings for cholesterol, diabetes, or depression
- Guidance and assistance to new parents on newborn and sibling issues
- Support and encouragement for the hospitalized / homebound and their families
- Prayer shawl ministries for those that are ill or struggling with life's challenges
A parish nurse focuses on the whole person to emphasize wellness, disease prevention and health promotion, including healthy spirituality. Care is based on the belief that health is growth toward well being and emphasizes the interrelationship of body, mind and spirit. Health is related to everything a person does, thinks, and feels and is not merely the absence of disease.
Roles of the Parish Nurse
- Integrator of Faith and Health - Works to improve health of body, mind, spirit, community and creation.
- Health Educator - Provides opportunities to learn about health issues.
- Health Counselor - Discusses health concerns, emphasizing early response to problems and encouraging healthy lifestyles.
- Referral Advisor - Provides referral to healthcare and social services.
- Health Advocate - Speaks out to help others obtain needed health services.
- Developer of Support Groups - Facilitates support groups for the community.
- Volunteer Coordinator - Coordinates volunteers who help those in need.
