Parish Nurse Ministry
The Parish Nurse Ministry serves as a bridge between St. Vincent's HealthCare, community resources, and local church congregations to promote health and well being in the community.
The parish nurse and the congregation identify the services needed for their particular members. Services continue to evolve in response to identified concerns of the congregation members. St. Vincent's HealthCare provides education, consultation, and peer support to the volunteer parish nurses who tithe their time and talents within their own church. The spiritual dimension is central to the practice of parish nursing. In all activities, the parish nurse seeks to promote an understanding of the connection between faith, lifestyles, attitudes, relationships, and well being.
The parish nurse coordinates health screenings, educational programs, and the development of support groups. The nurse also assists with the coordination of volunteers within the parish to help parishioners with their health needs. The parish nurse, with the assistance of volunteers, visits members at home, in nursing homes, or during hospitalization and provides a prayerful presence and comfort in times of need.
History
Historically, the church has been involved in healing for people of all ages and needs. People naturally turn to a nurse for advice, emotional support, and assistance in everyday life. The parish staff is, for many, their initial contact with the healthcare system.
Parish nursing originated and was named within the Lutheran tradition. In traditions where "parish" is not applicable, "congregation" or "church" may be used when referring to the nurse.
Mission And Philosophy
The Parish Nurse Ministry is a covenant between St. Vincent's HealthCare (SVHC) and local churches in which each works to maintain and promote the health of the respective faith community. The Parish Nurse Ministry Program was adopted by SVHC to extend our mission and fill an unmet need in the community. This ministry recognizes that faith is an important element in the stewardship of health and in the healing process, and that God is present and powerful in every situation.
SVHC is responsible for providing education, consultation, and peer support to the volunteer parish nurses who tithe their time and talents within their own church. Together, SVHC and local churches seek to positively impact the health of our community.
Philosophy
Motivated by a commitment to the healing ministry of Christ, the parish nurses promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being in an atmosphere that fosters respect and compassion. The Parish Nurse Ministry is ecumenical. The relationship between church and hospital as partners to promote health, in mind, body, and spirit, can be readily seen.
Volunteer
Want to Volunteer?
The Parish Nurse is a volunteer RN with advanced training and compassion to help his or her congregation find healing through God and through medical resources available in the community.
One of the basic premises for the Parish Nurse Ministry is to advance the healing ministry of God. In partnership with the University of North Florida, St. Vincent's sponsors the International Parish Nurse Resource Center's endorsed Parish Nurse Preparation course. The course provides a foundation for nursing practice that can be integrated within the theologies of individual congregations.
Registered nurses interested in Parish Nursing should call:
St. Vincent's Center for Parish Nursing
Parish Nurse
St. Vincent's Medical Center
904-308-7558
Covenant
Is your church interested in a Parish Nurse Partnership? Check out a sample of our covenant:
The Parish Nurse Ministry/Congregation agreement outlines the responsibilities and obligations of St. Vincent's HealthCare (SVHC) and your Parish in order to establish a Parish Nurse Program. Generally, SVHC will assist you and your Parish Nurse in organizing and maintaining such a program. SVHC will do the following:
- Assist with the introduction and/or installation of the Parish Nurse Program to the congregation.
- Assist in needs assessment of congregation and community.
- Provide support and direction for the Parish Nurse.
- Assist Parish Nurse in determining appropriate programs and activities to meet demonstrated needs.
- Assist in presenting educational programs.
- Provide regular supervision of the Parish Nurse Coordinator through the Vice President of Mission Integration.
- Provide continuing education opportunities in the areas of Pastoral Ministry and Nursing.
- Maintain clear and open lines of communication with the Parish through the Parish Nurse Program Coordinator.
In order to successfully establish and maintain the program, the Parish must do the following:
- Accept as a full member the Parish Nurse to the Parish Ministry staff.
- Establish a "health committee" or "health cabinet" to assist the Parish Nurse and Pastor in coordinating and assessing the activities of the Parish Nurse.
- Provide access to office space or office equipment. If possible, provide appropriate secretarial support for the Parish Nurse.
