October 08, 2003

Genesis Holds Health Ministry/Parish Nurse Information Night

Davenport, IA - Genesis Visiting Nurse Association's Health Ministry Department and St. Ambrose University's Department of Nursing will host a health ministry/parish nurse information night on Thursday, October 30, from 7-8 p.m., in the Genesis East Conference Center, Lower Level of Medical Office Building 2 (MOB II), 1230 E. Rusholme Street, Davenport.

Faith can have a profound impact on health, according to Judy Greiman, R.N., coordinator for Genesis VNA's Health Ministry Nursing Program. She is a parish nurse at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Davenport. "People know me, they're comfortable with me, and I've got the time to give them," Greiman says. "I can go to their house, sit down and talk, or hold their hand. We can pray together. That's very special to them. I'm a nurse, but I can also see they need this spiritual aspect, too."

The focus of health ministry or parish nursing is the faith community and its ministry. The health ministry nurse, in collaboration with the pastoral staff and congregants, participates in the ongoing transformation of the faith community while bringing home the importance of spirituality and healing. "It's not uncommon for a health ministry program to be initiated in a church," Greiman adds. "In fact, it's where it all began many years ago." Health ministry nurses are not direct hands-on providers. They are not there to administer medication or take the place of a community health nurse or a physician. They are an advocate, the referral base, the health counselor and the resource person.

The information night is open to all registered nurses and area pastors who may be interested in beginning a health ministry/parish nurse program in their faith communities. The meeting will feature short presentations by several area pastors and parish nurses who currently serve their parish/church through the Health Ministry Program. Information about the Health Ministry/Parish Nurse Preparation Course beginning at St. Ambrose University in January will also be available.

For more information about this program contact St. Ambrose University's Department of Nursing from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 563-333-6064.