Becoming a Parish Nurse or Health Minister

Parish nursing is a growing specialty practice of nursing, recognized by the American Nursing Association. Any registered nurse that is a member of a congregation may serve as a parish nurse.

Most parish nurses have had several years of nursing experience in hospital-based or community-based settings.

Parish nurse preparation courses are available in many locations, including through these Indiana programs:

• Indiana University of Kokomo - contact Lucy Tormoehlen, Ed.D, RN, Parish Nursing Faculty Coordinator
• Purdue University - contact Roberta Schweitzer, PhD, RN, Faith Community Nursing Faculty Coordinator, 2010
• University of Indianapolis - Faith Community/Parish Nurse course
• University of Southern Indiana - classes begin Sept. 20, 2010
• Valparaiso University

The International Parish Nurse Resource Center offers a wealth of information for practicing parish nurses or nurses new to the specialty, including:  

• Sample Job Description for the Ministry of Parish Nursing Practice
• Sample Budget
• 2010 Westberg Symposium - Sept. 17-19, St. Charles, Mo.
• Continuing education opportunities