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Parish Nurse

Parish Nursing, A Health Care Ministry

Health Ministry is a prevention based program within faith communities that emphasizes health, wholeness and healing of mind, body, spirit and relationships. It provides health information and support to people in a congregation and its surrounding community.

All people can benefit from a health ministry program, especially:

The elderly
Families and individuals in crisis
Families and individuals with chronic illness
Teenagers and their families
Individuals of all ages suffering from any number of problems

A caring faith community with an intentional health and healing ministry has the opporutnity to fill many of the healthcare gaps through a whole-person approach to care.

What is Parish Nursing?

The term Parish Nurse refers to an experienced registered nurse who utilizes his/her nursing and spiritual commitment in a healing ministry with a congregation. The role may include:

Health Educator: ex. Blood Pressure Checks
Personal Health Counselor
Referral Source
Facilitator: ex. Wellness Groups

A thread that runs thrugh the parish nurses' job description is that he/she does not duplicate other available nursing or medical services, but seeks to creatively bridge existing gabs in health care, congregational and community activities. A licensed practical nurse may help out when working under a Parish Nurse. Madeline Hagensick helps us here at St. Paul. All information shared is kept confidential.

Health Cabinet

Members of the congregation who are interested in promoting the health and wellness of the members of our parish. They act as an advisory group to the parish nurse. At present we have several members. If you are interested in being on this cabinet, please speak to me.