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. 

NOTE: In the Chattanooga area, the majority of our Faith Community/Parish Nurses minister in volunteer roles within their faith community. Those in paid positions have been called by their faith community to do so -- they have not been placed in these positions through the Preparation Program.

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 due on February 10, 2010 with the remainder of tuition to be paid by March 23, 2010. 

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

Spring 2010 class dates announced.

The Spring 2010 Faith Community Preparation classes will be held on the following dates: Wednesday February 10, 17, and March 3 from 8:30 - 4:30 Tuesday March 9 and 23 & April 6 from 4:30 - 7:30 All sessions (33 hours) must be completed to fulfill course and contact hour requirements. The application process (written application) must be completed by January 30, 2010. A tuition deposit is due on the first day of class: February 10, 2010.

Contact the Faith Community/Parish Nurse Coordinator - connie_blake@memorial.org or 423-495-6163 for additional information including the cost of the program.