Among the questions many have asked about Parish Nursing is what distinguishes it from any other nursing practice area. Listed below are the defined components of Parish Nursing practice that distinguish it from other nursing specialties.

A Parish Nurse 

is willing to actively participate in continuing education programs relating to Parish Nursing
has at least two years clinical experience in home/community health, medical/surgical, emergency, or outpatient nursing
has a belief in and willingness to support the healing mission and health ministry of the church
has the ability to understand and integrate the interaction of body, mind and spirit
possesses current knowledge of nursing and general health issues as they relate to lifestyles
a history of active participation in the church and in the community
has the ability to practice confidentiality and apply professional standards
has the willingness and ability to work and relate well with the pastoral team
has knowledge of and compliance with the Code of Ethics of Nursing and the Scope and Standards of Parish Nursing Practice as defined by the American Nurses Association.

 

  A Parish Nurse is:

a skilled professional nurse with a current active registered nurse license in the State of practice

a screener for existing or potential health problems utilizing the skills of nursing diagnosis and assessment

a person of faith committed to promoting "whole person" health (body, mind and spirit)

a patient/congregational member advocate working with the health/pastoral team to promote patient/congregational rights

a referral source to needed supports and services within congregational and community health care resources.

A Parish Nurse is not:

just a Registered Nurse working within the congregational setting

just a compassionate person

a source of "hands on" medical/nursing care 

there to administer medications

there to take the place of the physician, home health care, or pastoral team.
 

© 2001-08  Constance Rotters Blake, MSN, BSN, RN, FCN  This site is the intellectual property of the copyright holder.  No portion of it may be used without the expressed consent of the author.

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