What is parish nursing?
A parish nurse is a registered nurse who services the holistic health needs of a congregation. A parish nurse assists and supports individuals, families, and communities in becoming more active partners in the stewardship of personal and communal health resources. The parish nurse, in collaboration with the pastoral staff and congregants, participates in the ongoing transformation of the faith community into a source of health and healing. Through partnership with other community health resources, parish nursing fosters new and creative responses to health and wellness concerns. Professional nursing is rooted in the concept of health and healing. Parish nursing integrates current medical and behavioral knowledge with beliefs and practices within a faith community. Parish nurse ministers provide the link between traditional health care and spiritual health. Parish nurses’ activities can include the following: yoga practice, monthly blood pressure checks after services, health fairs, blo