Parish Nursing
The Health Ministry Team was formed after 2 congregational members plus the Pastor attended an information forum in April 2008. This forum presented an overview of potential health and healing ministries in the church, the place and scope of Parish Nursing ministry and how the local congregation can reclaim the historic church's health and healing ministry.
We identified three areas of needed growth in the congregation:
The first was for a structured prayer and healing ministry.
Secondly, we saw an increasing need for a Parish Nurse to augment the pastoral care ministry in the congregation, work toward health promotion and illness prevention and work as an advocate for many folks in the congregation when it came to health issues.
And thirdly, as the Good Food Box Program grew, we saw many of our food box recipients in crisis and unable (for a variety of reasons) to fully access both the health care system and social services. Several members of Grace wondered if we should be proactive in addressing health issues in the congregation and in the community through the Good Food Box Program.
Over the past two years the Health Ministry Team has worked steady to increase the health of the congregation and Good Food Box recipients through newsletter articles, information events, blood pressure and blood sugar clinics during Coffee Hour on Sunday mornings, health information and healthy recipes in food boxes. We have an active prayer ministry and healing services throughout the year and a growing number of people available to provide pastoral care. But we are still searching for a Parish Nurse for our congregation.
As you read this you might be wondering what do parish nurses do and if this might be a ministry God is calling you to.
A Parish Nurse is a Registered Nurse who has taken training in the speciality of parish nursing and is active in their faith. Parish Nurses can volunteer a few hours each week or be employed part-time or full-time in a congregation.
Below is a scope of practice for a Parish Nurse.
* Integrator of Faith and Health - Works to improve health of body, mind, spirit, community and creation.
* Health Promotion and Education - Provides opportunities to learn about health issues.
* Health Counsellor - Discusses health concerns, emphasizing early response to problems and encouraging healthy lifestyles.
* Referral Resource - Provides referrals to existing healthcare and social services.
* Health Advocate - Speaks out to help others obtain needed health services.
* Developer of Support Groups - Facilitates the development of support groups.
* Trainer of Volunteers – “multiplies the ministers” by recognizing gifts of others and preparing them for ministry.
What might a Parish Nurse Do?
* Interpret the function which faith plays in the well-being of individuals and communities.
* Offer support and encouragement during times of crisis and celebration.
* Focus on health promotion and disease prevention.
* Provide referral information, advocacy, and coordination of services.
* Encourage and facilitate congregational participation in ministry.
If you are interested in being part of our Health Ministry Team or are interested in becoming part of this faith community and using your skills as an R.N. in the area of Parish Nursing, please contact Pastor Loretta Jaunzarins at pastor@glc.ca