The program combines factual information and theological  reflection on specific situations to prepare Registered Nurses to serve as Parish Nurses in their congregations and discover new understandings of whole-person care. 

Roles of the Parish Nurse include:

• Health educator
• referral resource
• personal health counselor
• Interpreter of the relationship between faith and health
• Developer of support groups
• Volunteer coordinator.

Topics discussed in the classes include (but are not limited to):

• setting up the Faith Community/Parish Nurse Ministry within the congregation (documentation, supplies, budget) 
• legal and ethical implications 
• confidentiality 
• access to community resources 
• approaches to grief and bereavement
• spiritual assessment and care of self
• theological reflection.

Contact hours (33) are offered through an area University. 

Requirements for the program include:

•  completion of written application (click here for the application in Adobe .PDF format)
•  proof of valid, current RN License in the State where the ministry will be established;
•  active participation in faith community to be served;
•  clergy endorsement
•  interview with the coordinator prior to acceptance into the class
•  tuition deposit. 

** Adobe Reader needed to open .PDF files available as free download at  http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

Contact the Faith Community/Parish Nurse Coordinator at Memorial Health Care System for additional information including the cost of the program..