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The Dimensions of the Parish Nurse

 

PERSONAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

Discusses health issues and problems with individuals; makes home, hospital and nursing home visits as needed.

HEALTH EDUCATOR

Promotes an atmosphere where individuals of all ages, through a variety of educational activities, explores the relationship between values, attitudes, lifestyle, faith and health.

REFERRAL AGENT AND LIAISON WITH CONGREGATIONAL AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Resources are provided to other congregational resources as well as tose found in the community at large.

 

FACILITATOR OF VOLUNTEERS

Recruits, coordinates, and resources volunteers within the congregation to serve in various health ministries.

INTEGRATOR OF FAITH AND HEALTH

In all activities and contacts, the parish nurse seeks to promote the understanding of the relationship between faith and health.

DEVELOPER OF SUPPORT GROUPS

Facilitates the development of support groups for members of the faith community and people from the external community.

HEALTH ADVOCATE

The parish nurse works with the client, faith community and primary health resources to provide what is in the best interest of the client from a whole person perspective; listening and supporting the client to do what they can do, and bring their voice when they seem to have none. 

From the International Parish Nurse Resource Center, St. Louis, MO