Trinity Parish Nurse Program

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"... I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security."
Jeremiah 33:6

What Is A Parish Nurse?

Parish nurses are persons of faith who are experienced registered nurses, and who have received special education in wholistic health care. They have skills in teaching and health counseling as well as knowledge of community resources. As a member of the church staff, the parish nurse promotes wellness within the congregation, enhances the church's outreach ministry, and strengthens the awareness of the connection between faith and health.

Parish Nurse Requirements

Education, Training and Experience

Graduate, state-approved School of Nursing.
Minimum of two years of experience in nursing.
A Baccalaureate Degree with major in nursing and community health experience is preferred.
Completion of Trinity's Parish Nurse orientation course or another approved Parish Nurse orientation course

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills

Knowledge of wholistic health concepts.
Effective communication skills.
Ability to assess individual health needs and plan appropriate interventions.
Understanding of the church's role in health care.

Licenses, Registrations, and Certifications

Current Registered Professional Nurse licensure in the state where Parish is located.
A current CPR certification.

Specific Activities

Health Promotion

Blood pressure checks.
Offer screenings for various health issues.
Serve as site for other community agencies in providing services such as flu clinics.
Private consultations regarding health issue.
Group education such as support groups for grief issues, caregivers, and weight loss.
Write articles for the bulletin and newsletter.

Referral and Advocacy

Coordinate plan of care following discharge from hospital/nursing home.
Contact physician's office for individuals that need assistance.
Guide persons to use community resources.
Act as spokesperson when an individual cannot act on his/her own behalf.
Meet with families to plan care of individual or to counsel members.

Visitation

Make home, hospital, and nursing home visits to monitor health status, provide emotional support, encourage compliance with medical treatment, and recommend community services.
Bereavement visits by self or with clergy.

Facilitate Lay Ministries

Coordinate volunteers to assist with various programs and needs of individuals.
Work with the Wellness Committee to meet the needs of the congregation.

Interpret the Relationship Between Faith and Health

Assist family in time of crisis.
Stay with individual during surgery if family not available.
Stay with family during family member's surgery.
Encourage use of prayer, scripture, and devotional materials as aids to healing.
Incorporate spiritual values into health education.

Communication and Documentation

Communicate with Clergy, Church Staff, Church Council, Wellness Committee, and Volunteers.
Communicate schedule and activities with Church Secretary.
Record pertinent information on the individual's record.
Record statistical information to be shared with Clergy, Church Council, and Program Staff at Trinity Medical Center.
Participate in monthly Parish Nurse Sharing Group.