 Getting health care into the community
 Parish Nurse Connection - Coaching Part I and Part II
Health professionals all over the state are using their clinical skills
to enhance the health of their faith communities. Aurora has resources
to support you in your health ministry efforts.
Aurora Health Care and its congregational partners have expanded the
role of the hospital as a primary place of healing into congregations,
making them an alternative and accessible place of holistic healing.
What is a parish nurse?
A parish nurse is a registered nurse with advanced education in
combining the spiritual, mental and physical care of individuals and
congregations. They work with the pastoral staff and members of the
congregation to achieve the highest level of wellness possible for the
members. This empowers the congregation to take responsibility for
education, programs and services that address holistic health.
Read a success story
The parish nurse role
encompasses the following functions:
- Integrator of faith and health
- Health educator
- Health counselor
- Referral source and advocate
- Program facilitator and leader
What do Parish Nurses do?
Parish nurses identify and promote opportunities to enhance the
relationship of faith and health within the context of the values, beliefs
and practices of the faith community. They nurture the client's faith
system and practices that enhance health, such as forgiveness,
meditation and prayer.
Parish nurses are health educators, providing members with information
on health conditions, treatments and prevention. This includes the
inter-relationship of one's faith, body and mind. Education is offered for
individuals and groups on topics identified and requested by the
congregation.
Parish nurses are health counselors who listen and respond to health
concerns of individuals and their families. Concerns such as medications,
blood pressure, nutrition, weight control and end-of-life issues are
covered. Parish nurses do not duplicate services of other health
professionals and do not do such things as giving injections or providing
wound care.
Parish nurses are a referral source for health services. They
link the member's needs with resources in the community and assist them in
accessing these services.
Parish nurses are advocates for members who have difficulty in
receiving adequate health services. They may accompany individuals to
hospitals and visits to medical professionals. As program facilitator and
leader, they assist congregations in mobilizing the gifts, talents and
energies of its members to contribute to the health and healing mission of
the congregation.
Volunteers are organized and trained to support in
visitation, support groups, program planning and implementation.
For more information
Sue Schaus, manager
414-219-7401
Send an email
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