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What is a Parish Nurse?

A parish nurse is the visible expression of the congregation’s health ministry. Gifted and educated for a health profession, the parish nurse assists members in the Body of Christ in the care and nurture of the life that God has given them.
The parish nurse seeks to optimize the present and future health of members and the communities they serve. The promotion of Christ-centered health and wellness is recognized as a faith opportunity.
A parish nurse integrates knowledge of mind-body-spirit health and wellness in help- ing people gain a greater understanding of what it means to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Following the example of Christ, the proclamation of the Gospel, and care for the earthly needs of those who are hurting, the parish nurse is a vital expression of mercy and compassion in the church. 

Parish Nurse Team

(left to right in photo)
Lisa Ihlenfeldt, Kim Hynek, Debra Kuchenbecker, Jody Borchardt 

How Do I Contact a Nurse?

Parish nurses are available Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays
during church office hours.
To contact a nurse:

• Email nurse@zionwayside.org

Include a brief description of your needs along with a phone number where you can be reached; include your availability. To protect your privacy, use discretion regarding the sharing of sensitive information via email.

• Submit a paper request in the church drop box and a nurse will follow up with you (forms are in the narthex).
• Telephone the church office and leave a message with office staff.
  

Typically, a nurse will follow up with you within 24-48 hours.
​For urgent needs, please call the church office. 

How Do Parish Nurses serve? 

Health Educator

• Performs health screenings
•  Educates individuals, families, and groups about
  ways to optimize health and wellbeing
• Facilitates health fairs, educational seminars, and
  health related outreach activities

​​Personal Health Counselor

• Meets one-on-one to discuss health concerns
• Advocates for stewardship of mind, body, and spirit
• Provides wellness coaching for health improvement
• Facilitates development of support groups ​

Liaison to Community Resources

• Links individuals, families, and groups with parish or community resources
•  Partners with community agencies to maximize services and programs 

Integrator of Faith and Healing

• Recognizes God as the creator and giver of life and healing as part of the redemptive and restorative ministry of Jesus
• Helps individuals embrace the connection between faith and health.
• Provides resources for health care decision making within a Lutheran Christian context
• Provides basic spiritual care under the direction of the pastor and nurtures spiritual well-being through prayer, song, scripture and devotional readings during visits. 

A Parish nurse does not 

• Provide hands on or direct patient care
  
• Replace active ministries already present in the congregation; instead strives to complement the work of the ministerial team 

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.”
1 Cor. 12:4-6 ​

Education

A parish nurse is a state licensed registered nurse (RN) who combines the art and science of nursing with health ministry. Parish nurses are mindful of the link between faith, spirituality, and health, and promote wholistic (whole person) health for individuals, families, and the communities they serve.

​Each nurse completes a parish nurse preparation program. Parish nursing is guided by laws and ethical codes of conduct, as well as the American Nurses Association Standards of Practice for Faith Community Nursing.

​Privacy of confidential health information is respected.