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A parish nurse is a friend ...
based in a faith community that you can call on for help in health care.Here are just some of the services a parish nurse can provide:
- Help in accessing and navigating the health system
- Programs to promote healthy exercise and nutrition
- Education on health issues
- Support groups
- Health screenings
- Assistance to new parents
- Support for hospitalized or homebound family members
A parish nurse focuses on the whole person to emphasize wellness, disease prevention and health promotion, including healthy spirituality. Care is based on the belief that health is growth toward well being and emphasizes the interrelationship of body, mind and spirit. Health is related to everything a person does, thinks, and feels and is not merely the absence of disease.
Roles of the Parish Nurse
- Integrator of Faith and Health - Works to improve health of body, mind, spirit, community and creation.
- Health Educator - Provides opportunities to learn about health issues.
- Health Counselor - Discusses health concerns, emphasizing early response to problems and encouraging healthy lifestyles.
- Referral Advisor - Provides referral to healthcare and social services.
- Health Advocate - Speaks out to help others obtain needed health services.
- Developer of Support Groups - Facilitates support groups for the community.
Volunteer Coordinator - Coordinates volunteers who help those in need.