The Parish Nurse

Then I heard a voice of the Lord saying, "Who shall I send, and who will go for us?"
                                       And I said, "Here I Am; Send Me!"       Isaiah 6:8

Questions a nurse might consider before entering the ministry of parish nursing:

• How do you see your personal gifts as an asset to parish nursing?
• What attracts you to the role of a parish nurse?
• What experience have you had in health education?  Organizing programs?  Individual counsel?
• Describe people you most enjoy being around.  Describe those you least like being with.
• What leadership experiences have you had in the church setting?
• How do you care for yourself and find balance in your life?
• Is there any reason your current lifestyle would not be considered a good role model for the congregation you serve?
• What life experiences do you think have prepared you for "being with" a fellow struggler
  in their journey?
• Are you being called to this ministry?  Are you willing to make a long term committment?
  

Role of the Parish Nurse

• Personal health counselor - discuss health issues with people; makes home, hospital, and nursing home visits as needed.
• Health educator - provides education and support for all ages, with emphasis on prevention and wellness.  Relate values, attitudes, lifestyle, faith , and well-being.
• Health advocate - assures necessary services are obtained by supporting and encouraging people to make good choices; or speaking for them when they cannot speak.
• Referral source - acts as a liaison to other congregational resources and to community services.
• Facilitator - recruits, coordinates, and resources within the congregation; develops support/small groups.
• Interpreter of the relationship between faith and health - in all activities seeks to promote an understanding of health and values, beliefs, behaviors, and well-being.