Philosophy of Parish Nursing

Parish nursing is consistent with the basic assumptions of many faiths that we care for self and others as an expression of God's love.

Rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition, but not limited to, and the historic practice of professional nursing, the philosophy of parish nursing embraces four major concepts:

• Spiritual formation: Personal spiritual formation is an ongoing, essential component of practice for the parish nurse and includes both self-care and hospitality, through opening the heart to self and others. Spiritual formation is an intentional process of intimacy with God to foster spiritual growth and health.
  
  
• Professionalism: Aspects of health and healing found in many faith traditions are embodied in the role of the parish nurse. The parish nurse practices under the scope and standards of practice and the ethical code of nursing.
  
  
• Shalom as health and wholeness: The parish nurse understands health is a dynamic process embodying the spiritual, psychological, physical, and social dimensions of the person. Shalom, God's intent for harmony and wholeness, serves as a foundation for understanding health. A sense of well-being can exist in the presence of imbalance, and healing can exist in the absence of cure.
  
  
• Community: The parish nurse, in collaboration with the pastoral staff and congregants, assists in the ongoing transformation of the faith community into sources of health and healing. Through partnership with health ministers and other community health resources, parish nursing fosters new and creative responses to health and wellness concerns. Parish nurses appreciate that all persons are sacred and must be treated with respect and dignity.