What a Parish Nurse Does

Parish nurses assume different duties within the congregation, depending on the needs of the community. These may include:

• visiting a congregation member who has returned home from the hospital

• providing screenings for high blood pressure or diabetes

• holding lectures and information sessions on health related topics

Each nurse has the opportunity to evaluate the unique needs of the congregation he or she serves and seek the means to meet them.

Purpose and Goals

The purpose and goals of the IndianaCenter for Parish Nursing include the following:

• Collaboration with faith communities

• Partnerships with health care organizations

• Health ministry for public, faith-based and nursing communities

• Consultation on creating, sustaining and evaluating health related ministry programs

• Data collection and evaluation of faith-based community nursing activities and outcomes

• Sharing of best practices

Roles of a Parish Nurse

• Integrator of faith and health

• Health educator

• Personal health counselor

• Volunteer coordinator

• Developer of support groups

• Health advocate

• Referral agent