About Parish Nursing
A
parish nurse is a friend…. based in a
faith
community that you can call on for help
in
health care.
Here are some of the
services available
- Help in accessing and navigating the
health system
- Programs to promote healthy exercise and
nutrition
- Education on health issues
- Support groups
- Health screenings
- Assistance to new parents
- Support for hospitalized or homebound
family members
A parish nurse focuses on the whole person to
emphasize wellness, disease prevention and health promotion, including healthy
spirituality. Care is based on the belief that health is growth toward well
being and emphasizes the interrelationship of body, mind and spirit. Health is
related to everything a person does, thinks, and feels and is not merely the
absence of disease.
Roles of the
Parish Nurse
- Integrator of Faith and Health - Works to improve health of body, mind, spirit, community and
creation.
- Health Educator - Provides opportunities to learn about health issues.
- Health Counselor - Discusses health concerns, emphasizing early response to
problems and encouraging healthy lifestyles.
- Referral Advisor - Provides referral to healthcare and social services.
- Health Advocate - Speaks out to help others obtain needed health services.
- Developer of Support Groups - Facilitates support groups for the community.
- Volunteer Coordinator - Coordinates
volunteers who help those in need.
The Parish Nurse
at St. Margaret Mary
Church is