Parish Nursing Practice/Ministry

Institute for Ongoing Formation at St. Peter’s Seminary

1040 Waterloo St. N., London, ON N6A 3Y1

www.stpetersseminary.ca

Parish Nursing Ministry

Practice Guidelines

Compiled and edited by Anne Marie Webster

Parish Nursing Ministry

Practice Guidelines

Table of Contents

Defining a Parish Nurse: page 1

A variety of definitions are provided to help you understand the role of the parish nurse. These

examples can be used to help you develop your own parish nursing practice/ministry.

Mission Statement Examples: page 2

Each congregation should develop its own mission statement before implementing a parish nursing

practice/ministry. These examples offer ideas of what a mission statement should include.

Parish Nurse Roles: page 3

The potential areas of service are very broad and need to be defined. This section highlights many

roles of a parish nurse.

Educational Expectations: page 4

Although potential parish nurses have the necessary nursing education, they may lack the unique

course work that is necessary to understand and undertake the parish nursing role. This section

addresses areas of educational and spiritual formation as they relate to a parish nurse.

Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Leadership: page 5

This section discusses spiritual formation and the relationship between the parish nurse, the pastor

and the pastoral team as it relates to the parish nursing practice/ministry.

Organizational Aspects: page 6

A suggested conceptual framework is provided to help the members understand the way in which

the parish nurse will fit into the congregational structure. This section also includes reference to

standards and suggestions for establishing the parish nurse ministry.

Legal Requirements/Limits: page 8

Some legal issues are briefly discussed. These guidelines should facilitate discussion between

congregational leaders and the parish nurse in the implementation of the parish nursing

practice/ministry.

Budget: page 9

The importance of a parish nursing budget is explained along with a brief section on establishing a

budget

How a Faith Community Nurse Can Make a Difference: page 10

The parish nurse (faith community nurse) can make a difference to the pastor and to the church and

its community

Appendices pages 11 -20

Some practical guidelines are provided to help you in assisting your congregation in the

development of a parish nursing practice/ministry, ideas and projects, thoughts on healing and on

conducting a devotion, a sample client satisfaction survey, and other useful resources.

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Suggested Definitions of a Parish Nurse

A variety of statements are provided to help you understand the definition of a parish nurse. The following

examples can help you visualize the practice of a parish nurse as well as how parish nursing could assist the

congregation.

"A registered nurse, who serves as a resource person-health educator, a personal health

counselor, a volunteer coordinator and support group organizer, a community liaison and a role

model for the relationship between one's faith and health" (Granger Westberg — founder of

Lutheran Parish Nursing).

The Parish Nurse is a registered nurse with specialized knowledge, who is called to

ministry and affirmed by a faith community to promote health, healing and wholeness (The

Canadian Association for Parish Nursing Ministry).

“Faith community nurses strive to promote the health of a faith community by working with faith

group leaders and other staff to integrate the spiritual, psychological, sociological and physiological

perspectives of health and healing into the activities of the congregation.” (Margaret Clark and

Joanne Olsen, University of Alberta, Edmonton: Nursing Within a Faith Community, Promoting

Health in Times of Transition, 2000, Sage Publications, Inc.)

Parish Nurse – the nurse is called within the broader mission of Christ to a specific

ministry of compassionate care, in which people relate wholly to the nurse as co-

participants in the process of promoting their health (The Miller Mode l- Dr. Lynda Miller,

British Columbia)

“The parish nurse is the visible symbol of the congregation's pursuit of a Christ-centered wholistic

health program. By request or referral, the Parish Nurse is available to all age levels of the

congregation. The Parish Nurse becomes part of the ministry team, which also includes the pastor

and members of the congregation" (Concordia University, Wisconsin - The Parish Nurse: A

Distance Learning Program brochure).

A parish nurse is a registered nurse with specialized education who is called to ministry and

affirmed by a faith community to promote health, healing and wholeness among its members.

Recognizing the interconnectedness of body, mind and spirit, parish nurses promote wellness

through health education, advocacy, spiritual support and linking the needs of those they serve to

resources in the greater community, health care system and their community of faith. Parish nurse

ministry is designed to involve people of all ages, families, and congregations as active partners in

their personal health and wellness. (St. Peter’s Seminary, London, Ontario).

Responding to the healing ministry of Jesus, parish nursing is committed to nourishing,

sustaining and supporting the health (physical, emotional and spiritual) of the people of the

parish and community. The parish nurse is a registered nurse with specialized knowledge

who is called to ministry to promote health, healing and wholeness. (The Church of St.

John the Evangelist, Kitchener, Ontario).

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Mission Statement Examples

A mission statement succinctly states the purpose or aim of parish nursing in the congregation. The parish

nursing mission statement should flow from the congregational mission statement. These mission statement

examples are meant to help you develop your own understanding of parish nursing as well as assist you in

writing a mission statement that would fit your congregation.

Following the ministry of Jesus, we are called to promote physical, mental and spiritual health

within our Christian family and the community we serve. (Westminster United Church, Whitby,

ON).

Our Mission is to promote health and to nurture a ministry of healing to those who seek to be

whole in body, mind and spirit. We will do this in the power of the love of Christ and with the

prayer of faith that the glory of God and His wonderful works may be manifest among us

(Bayview Glen Church, Thornhill, ON).

Parish Nursing is a health ministry within the faith community which emphasizes the wholeness

of body, mind and spirit, promoting wholeness through the integration of faith and health. Rooted

in the vision of Christ as Healer and modeled after the compassionate ministry of Jesus, health

ministry “seeks to transform the faith community into a place of health and healing.” (Olson, J &

Clark, M.,1999, Exchange). The Judaic Shalom encompasses health and wholeness centered in

community and relationships with God, self and others. (Waterloo-Kitchener United Mennonite

Church).

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Parish Nurse Roles:

Parish nursing is a collaborative endeavour between health care providers and churches. Parish nurses

are available for congregational members in the roles of coordination, facilitation and support in health-

related issues. Parish nurses may help a congregation member see the close relationship of Christian

faith as it applies to one's state of health. The role of the parish nurse includes areas of accountability.

Although the parish nurse is accountable for each of these areas, specific involvement in each role is likely to

vary in accordance to the needs and concerns of each faith community and its members. Although the nurse

is legally allowed to practice within the scope of the provincial statutes, the underlying philosophy of parish

nursing ministry supports a noninvasive practice.

The parish nurse integrates faith and health, promoting the healing ministries of the church and a sense

of community by serving as:

 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. With a knowledge

base in both areas, many times the parish nurse can clarify issues and / or reinforce the strong

tie between faith and health, promoting healthy spirituality.

 Health Educator: The parish nurse promotes an atmosphere where individuals of all ages,

through a variety of educational activities, learn the relationship between values, attitudes,

lifestyle, faith and health, encouraging illness prevention.

 Personal Health Counsellor: The parish nurse provides individual health counselling

services in the home, long-term care facility or church, discusses health issues and problems

with individuals and families and accompanies persons to their doctor’s visits when needed.

 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 being their voice when they

seem to have none. Helping parishioners navigate through health care systems is an important

aspect of advocacy.

 Referral Agent and Liaison with Congregational and Community Resources: The parish

nurse serves as a “translator” between faith and health care communities. Referrals are

provided to other congregational resources as well as those found in the community at large.

Finding resources and making referrals to agencies, organizations and support services helps

improve the member’s quality of life.

 Developer of Support Groups: The parish nurse, together with the health committee /council,

facilitates the development of support groups for members of the faith community and others.

These groups are designed to assist the participants deal with specific issues.

 Facilitator of Volunteers: The parish nurse recruits, organizes, trains and coordinates volunteers

within the congregation/parish to provide assistance to the parish nurse and to serve in various health

ministries.

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Educational Expectations:

The practice of parish nursing is the responsibility of a registered nurse. The core competencies

for Basic Parish Nursing Education, as outlined by the Canadian Association for Parish Nursing

Ministry include:

1. Current standing as a registered nurse (Baccalaureate degree in nursing preferred)

2. Orientation to parish nursing

3. Spiritual maturity and theological reflection

4. Personal/interpersonal skills

5. Teaching/facilitation

6. Worship

7. Faith community context

8. Collaboration

9. Management

10. Practicum

11. Continuing education

To review the core competencies, access the Canadian Association for Parish Nursing Ministry

website at www.capnm.ca.

Preparation specifically designed for health ministry is essential to understand the focus and tasks

of a parish nursing ministry. The registered nurse considering parish nursing should participate as

well in follow-up workshops, educational forums and support groups. These forums help

strengthen the nurse in the “parish” part of parish nursing and help the nurse to recognize the

difference between a “nurse in the parish” and a “parish nurse”.

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Spiritual Formation:

Various spiritual education programs and resources are available to nurses within their own

denomination in addition to parish nursing preparation courses. Parish nurses are encouraged to

nurture their own spiritual growth through attendance at church services, Bible study and personal

reflection. The parish nurse may find it beneficial to seek the guidance of a spiritual director.

Spiritual Leadership Considerations:

The pastor is the spiritual leader of the entire congregation and is responsible for the spiritual

growth of his/her members. The parish nurse assists members in the Body of Christ in the care

and nurturing of the life God has given them. The parish nurse combines knowledge of the body

with Christian motivation to help people toward optimal health.

Parish nursing needs to be done in accordance with the congregation’s mission statement, in

cooperation with the pastor’s vision of ministry and in line with the nurse’s own spiritual gifts.

Since the parish nurse will be involved in ministry as well as health service, it is critical that

he/she grow in the knowledge of God’s Word on a regular basis.

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in

him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness”(Colossians

2:6-7).

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Organizational Considerations:

The idea is that the parish nurse is responsible to the congregation and is answerable to a church

council, the pastor, elders or a health council/committee. Each congregation needs to evaluate the

structure for the parish nursing ministry to ensure that it fits in the overall ministry of the

congregation.

Introducing the Concept:

The following steps may be helpful in introducing the concept of parish nursing ministry:

 Read everything you can on parish nursing.

 Spend some time with a parish nurse as she “lives out” her role and attend a health

council meeting.

 Educate the congregation: Use videos, circulate copies of books such a Deborah

Patterson’s “The Essential Parish Nurse, ABC’s for Congregational Health Ministry”,

create a brochure, educate over a period of time by inserting information about health

ministry in the bulletin, speak at church committee meetings.

 Educate the clergy and staff through regular staff meetings, open lines of communication,

training programs.

 Hold information sessions for church members using information from websites,

CAPNM, St. Peter’s Institute, “Foundations in Parish Nursing” team members, inviting

parish nurses, clergy and health council members from established health ministries.

 A health council/committee is developed to support the parish nurse. The health council

is made up of volunteers who are concerned about the health of the congregation and are

committed to seeing that the health ministry of the church is carried out.

 Position description and salary: Is it a new position or established? Create a position

description. Consider remuneration, volunteer, paid, pilot project, hourly rate, contract,

etc.

 A congregational survey determines the health concerns and needs of the congregation

and will assist the parish nurse in the beginning ministry. Keep it simple. Use available

resources such as a Power Point teaching tool from CAPNM or the Foundations in Parish

Nursing course. Decide when and how to get the best response.

 Congregational profile: Look at the demographics such as range of ages, culture, urban or

rural.

 Existing ministries and programs: Dovetail with these groups and be a resource to them.

Establish needed programs such as Super Singles, Lunch and Learn programs, blood

pressure screenings.

 Denominational profile: Know the values, sacramental acts, and theological framework

within the denomination and be aware of how the nurse can be involved according to

those faith practices.

 A commissioning service or a service of dedication is held to affirm the parish nurse as a

member of the ministry team.

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The Team:

The parish nurse is a member of the pastoral leadership team. The team works collaboratively to

ensure that the needs of the congregation are met. Positioning yourself on the team is important.

Consider yourself to be an equal member of the team with a significant contribution to make. Use

team meetings to educate and coordinate pastoral care. Consider team visits. You can learn from

each other.

Establishing the Practice:

Consider location, office space and office supplies, nursing and medical supplies such as blood

pressure monitor, first aid kit, locked cabinet for patient records, furniture, secretarial support and

telephone, etc. When will you hold office hours? How many? Where? Allow for visiting and

flexibility in times of crisis. What about Sundays? Will you be paid? How much? What about

travel expenses? An operational budget needs to be established to allow for educational programs

and honoraria, supplies, printing and brochures.

Standards for Practice- Parish Nursing Ministry:

The standards for Parish Nursing Ministry as established by the Canadian Association for

Parish Nursing Ministry include:

Standard # 1: Professional Practice and Accountability

Standard # 2: Wholistic Nursing Care and Health Promotion

Standard # 3: Facilitation of Spiritual Care

Standard # 4: Communication and Collaboration

Standard # 5: Advocacy and Ethics (2015)

For specific indicators and additional information, please check out the CAPNM website at

www.capnm.ca .

Documentation:

 Document according to the Standards of Practice of the College of Nurses of Ontario or

appropriate province or territory.

 Documentation can be written or computer-based.

 Include spiritual care assessments, interventions and outcomes.

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Legal Considerations:

The parish nurse must hold a current and active license in the province of practice. Any nurse

regardless of the setting in which she/he works is guided by the policies and statutes as

determined by the provincial nursing licensing body (such as the College of Nurses of Ontario).

Policies may vary considerably, so it is important to know the legal requirements of your nursing

practice. A violation of standards of practice constitutes unprofessional behaviour and may result

in disciplinary action, even revoking a nurse’s license to practice.

It is necessary to be knowledgeable about insurance coverage for liability purposes. Legal

protection and services through the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario includes the Legal

Assistance Program (LAP) which is established to assist nurses with certain legal problems that

may arise in work-related circumstances. Also available is Liability Protection, available through

the Canadian Nurses Protective Society (CNPS). Determine the insurance coverage that may be

available within the church itself.

Additional staff or volunteers are expected to serve under the guidance of the Health Care

Committee/Council and are to be supervised by the parish nurse. The parish nurse is accountable

for duties of delegation carried out in the parish nursing ministry.

The parish nurse serves as a reflection of the congregation and consequently, must serve in a

manner that is consistent with the congregation’s overall ministry.

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Budget:

A budget needs to be established for a parish nursing program which is most often a recognizable

component of the congregation’s ministry. The budget may include office space, materials, salary

and insurance. In most situations, the budget offers the parish nurse autonomy to purchase

necessary supplies or equipment. Examples of such purchases include, but are not limited to,

blood pressure cuffs, stethoscope, first aid supplies and office supplies.

Establishing the Budget:

In most cases a parish nursing program begins before a budget is established. Once the parish

nurse becomes regularly active, the congregation is more likely to recognize the need for

budgetary money. Learn the budgeting process and critical deadlines in advance, and then work

to present your request in a reasonable and timely manner. Provide necessary documentation to

support your request. Initial budget requests should cover reimbursable expenses such as travel

and education expenses. After a parish nursing budget is established, it is possible to expand your

requests to include the purchase of supplies and educational materials. Eventually, the parish

nursing budget could include money for outreach efforts such as health fairs.

Congregations usually follow the biblical principle that a worker deserves her wages (Luke 10:7;

1 Timothy 5:18). However, very few congregations are able to pay a registered nurse a salary

that is commensurate with her worth in the public setting. The salary needs to be negotiated. In

some congregations, an honorarium is provided to support the work of the parish nurse.

Parish Nurse Prayer:

As I care for my patients, be there with me, Oh Lord, I pray. Make my words kind; it means so

much. And in my hands place your healing touch. Let your love shine in all that I do, so those

who are in need may hear You, feel You and see You in me. Amen

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A Parish Nurse can make a difference to the pastor, church and community by

 Encouraging members to care for each other

 Promoting healthy followers of Jesus Christ

 Nurturing and supporting all age groups

 Assisting in visiting members in their homes and at hospitals

 Acting as a vehicle to reach the community and drawing them into the church

 Providing safety measures in the church building

 Being there for all ages and socioeconomic groups

 Enabling people to maintain health & wellness

 Connecting persons with identified health needs to those in the congregation who can

help meet those needs

 Interacting with people from the beginning of life to the end

 Fulfilling the biblical mandate to teach, preach and heal

 Returning the focus to the church as the place for healing

 Offering health and healing to the surrounding community for purposes of growth and

outreach in the church

 Increasing awareness of the relationship between one’s physical, emotional, social and

spiritual well being

 Offering a presence when people are looking to the church as health needs are increasing

and resources are decreasing

 Helping the congregation understand healthcare systems as increasing complexity has

caused consumers to be uncertain, unaware or uninformed. Helping people gain access

to appropriate healthcare.

This Parish Nursing Ministry Practice Guidelines document is in its 5th adaptation,

based on Parish Nursing in the WELS Suggested Guidelines from Wisconsin Evangelical

Lutheran Synod with the permission from Paul Snamiska, Christian Life Resources,

Helsan Drive, Richfield, WI 53076 (2005).

info@ChristianLifeResources.com

www.ChristianLifeResources.com

Revised June, 2016

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Appendix A

Questions to guide discussion in determining whether your

congregation should start a parish nursing ministry:

Yes No 1. Are there members in your congregation who are not able to participate in ministry because

they are less than healthy?

Yes No 2. Do you have members who are chronically ill and, because of their illness, are not able to

hear God's Word regularly?

Yes No 3. Do you have children or youth in the congregation who are not receiving or benefitting

from Christ-centered information on various issues — for example: nutrition, self-care,

relationships or leaving home?

Yes No 4. Do you have shut-ins who need more visitation, encouragement and assistance?

Yes No 5. Is your pastor spending more time visiting the sick and caring for the physical needs of the

members than sharing the Gospel?

Yes No 6. Are members talking to the pastor about serious health issues but refusing to see a

medical professional about those issues?

Yes No 7. Would you like to have a health care professional work from the principles of the Gospel?

Yes No 8. Is there evidence that some members are not seeing positive results from their medications

and is there a sense they are not taking their medications properly?

Yes No 9. Do you suspect that there are members who rely too heavily on medication to get through

their daily activities?

If you answered "Yes" to any of the above questions, a parish nursing ministry might

be appropriate for your congregation.

Discerning the Call:

Call or calling comes from the Greek word “klesis” meaning invitation. Calling is used

in the New Testament:

Rom. 8:30 “And having chosen them, he called them to come to him.”

Rom. 11:29 “For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn.”

Eph: 4:1 “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”

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Appendix B

Parish Nursing Start-up Checklist:

Using this guide and other supporting information, prepare to present the parish nursing ministry to the

appropriate decision-making body in your congregation. The checklist below can help you and the Health

Council through the organizational process.

Item Person Date of

Responsible Completion

Write a mission statement and role description

Determine lines of authority and communication

Set specific goals for the parish nurse

Determine budget for the ministry

Calculate number of hours needed to accomplish goals

Choose facility space dedicated to the program

Select documentation and communication tools

Discuss training issues as outlined

Check into insurance matters

Make a list of members who currently have health needs

Develop an evaluation tool for future use

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Appendix C

Ideas and Projects for Your Parish Nursing Ministry

 Blood pressure screenings

 CPR and first aid training for ushers, parishioners.

 Hearing, vision, cholesterol screenings, etc.

 Health fairs

 Bereavement support activities

 Collaborating with others in the development of volunteers who visit the shut-ins

 Contributing to the church bulletins and newsletters

 Stocking first aid kits for the church

 Educating the Sunday school participants on the importance of hand washing and

brushing teeth.

 Health promotion presentations such as prevention of osteoporosis, restorative

justice/elder abuse, vision care, etc. Consider collaborating with existing community

groups.

 Exercise programs: Consider holding regular classes and projects such as “Walking to

Jerusalem/Bethlehem”

 Spirituality and weight loss programs

 Poster presentations on topics such as diabetes, stroke prevention, etc.

 Establish support groups i.e. stroke, bereavement, low vision.

 Mobilize volunteers, such as establishing a health team to assist you, other nurses,

physios, physicians, occupational therapists, chiropractors.

 Health care clinics for the homeless, such as Out of the Cold Programs

 Participating in special liturgies

These are just a few ideas. Use a team approach organizing the health promotion activities with other

church groups such as the Health Council, men’s and women’s groups, youth, or other parish nurses.

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Appendix D

How to Conduct Devotion

 Try to eliminate distractions (partially shut the door); this shows respect for people. Invite others

who may be in the room to participate.

 You may begin the devotion by saying, "In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy

Spirit.”

 Use printed resources such as "In This Quiet Place: Discovering the Pleasure of Prayer” with

contributions by Joan Eareckson Tada, Jim Cymbala, Bill Bright and others.

 Consider psalms, using “Psalms for Healing: Praying for those in need” by Gretchen

Person, Augburg, ISBN 0-8066-4161-4

 Prayers such as those from “Out of the Ordinary” by Joyce Rupp can be helpful, especially if they

are personalized.

 You may prefer to read a Bible passage and briefly apply its message to the person's life situation

 Say a prayer/read the prayer at the end of a meditation or sing a hymn (optional).

 Say the Benediction: “The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine on

you and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace".

 If acceptable in your denomination, consider making the Sign of the Cross on the person’s forehead,

saying “May God bless you, in the name of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit, Amen”.

 Ask the person if he or she would like the pastor to visit or if the parish nurse should accompany

the pastor in a future visit (optional).

 Use a team approach with your congregational pastor(s).

As a parish nurse, don’t shortchange yourself when using the power of the Gospel.

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Appendix E

Parish Nurse Ministry Self-Care

Care for yourself each day… adapted from a handout by Barbara Les Strang, 2004.

*Try to do the asterisked items daily, the others as often as possible. Be sure to congratulate

yourself each day for taking good care of YOU.

PHYSICALLY Today

1 .*I ate a balanced diet

2.*I walked or exercised at least 20 minutes

3.*I had adequate rest.

4.*I took vitamins and/or medications as prescribed.

5.*I maintained good grooming & health habits.

6. I did stress reducing (or breathing) exercises.

7.*I found a reason to smile (or laugh).

EMOTIONALLY Today

1. I shared my feelings (or needs) with a safe friend.

2.*I rewarded myself in some way.

3. I journaled about my feelings (or dreams).

4.* I did something I enjoy doing.

5. I reached out to someone else who is hurting.

6. I changed something in my life.

7. I allowed myself to cry or feel my pain.

INTELLECTUALLY Today

1. 1 learned something new.

2. 1 invested time in a creative project or new skill.

3. 1 discussed a topic of mutual interest with someone.

4. 1 made an effort to learn about suffering and the grief process.

SPIRITUALLY Today

l. *I assessed my own spiritual needs.

2.*I read Scripture or other devotional material.

3. *I prayed or meditated.

4. I attended a worship service or Bible study.

5. I listened to soothing or inspiring music.

6.* I prayed for someone else.

7. *I examined my conscience, defining strengths & weaknesses.

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Appendix F

Sample Parish Nurse Client Satisfaction Survey

The following survey was used by the St. Louis Health Ministry, Waterloo, Ontario to assess

client satisfaction:

During this past year or so, you, your family member or friend has received services from our

Parish Nurse. We would like to find out how satisfied you have been with this service. Please tell

us how our parish nurse has helped you, your family or friend. Please complete this form and

return it to us in the enclosed stamped envelope. Your feedback is important to us and our parish

nurse.

How have your spiritual needs been addressed in interactions with the parish nurse? Please

check any that apply:

Prayer

Arranged for Communion or a priest from St. Louis to visit

Listening and Support: - the parish nurse understood your feelings

Affirmation – the parish nurse made you feel that it is enjoyable to care for you.

Encouragement

Reassurance

Help to see things differently

Reminiscence

Arranged for a St. Louis volunteer to visit or brought you a prayer shawl

Other (Please clarify):

How was this kind of spiritual care helpful? Please explain:

Has our parish nurse helped you in more tangible ways? Check any that apply:

The parish nurse was readily available

Taught me ways to understand and cope with a physical or emotional problem

Guided me though a stressful life transition such as illness, loss of a loved one, etc.

Taught me ways to cope with a relationship difficulty

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Helped us with paperwork and important decisions (like end of life issues, Power of Attorney

for Personal Care)

Helped me to take my health condition more seriously

Taught me how to recognize problems that I should be aware of or receive care to prevent

complications (such as foot care if diabetic)

Helped me understand my medicines

Supported me at physician visits or when I or my family needed medical help

Explained my situation to the doctor or someone else

Referred me to the place I needed when I didn't know where to turn

Explained a diagnosis, test or lab result so I could understand the meaning of it

The parish nurse gave me enough information to take care of myself.

The parish nurse referred me to a resource that was able to meet my needs.

Other (Please clarify):

How have these actions made a difference in your health and well being? Please comment:

Overall, how satisfied were you with care provided by the parish nurse? What could she do to

provide service that is more satisfactory?

What would you like to see happen with parish nursing at St. Louis? Please share your

thoughts regarding what roles you would like to see the parish nurse embrace:

Please feel free to make additional comments:

THANK YOU for sharing! THANK YOU for your candor! THANK YOU for your time!

Dorothy Battae, Chair, St. Louis Health Council

Self-Assessment Tool:

The Canadian Association for Parish Nursing Ministry (CAPNM) has a self-assessment tool

available on its website to assist parish nurses in reflective practice activities. . CAPNM website:

www.capnm.ca

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Appendix G

A Nurse’s Prayer for Faithfulness

“We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his

purpose.”

Romans 8:28

O God, who called me to this holy ministry, keep me faithful to my vocation.

Help me to make of my nursing a prayer of commitment and caring

Let me recognize every sickroom as a tabernacle where You dwell.

Direct my work that it will become a prayer of reverence and respect for the sacredness of human life.

Bless me, always, with a grateful heart, that I may be ever mindful of the precious gift of serving You in the

ill and infirm.

Amen

Lord, please help me to bring

Comfort where there is pain,

Courage where there is fear,

Hope where there is despair,

Acceptance when the end is near,

And a gentle touch with

Tenderness, patience, and love.

Amen

Authors Unknown

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Appendix H

Healing

 DISEASE is something a body or body part has.

 ILLNESS is something a whole person has. It is emotional, physical and spiritual.

 Usually healing is viewed as CURING DISEASE (bodies and parts of bodies)

 HEALING is ministering to the whole person—emotional, physical and spiritual.

 HEALING is not about curing disease, although sometimes it does anyway.

 HEALING is about RELIEVING SUFFERING.

 PHYSICAL DISEASE and even DEATH can be HEALING experiences.

C 1995: Philip S. Chard

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Appendix I

Useful Resources

The following resources are intended as a help for the nurse to establish a parish nurse ministry.

These resources help with the “nurse and practice” aspects of the practice.

Parish Nursing Ministry Bibliography Resources. CAPNM website: www.capnm.ca

Community of Care: A Parish Ministry of Care Manual. Developed by the Catholic Health

Association Of Saskatchewan. Novalis-ISBN 978-2-89646-221-6 www.novalis.ca

The Essential Parish Nurse by the Rev. Deborah Patterson and Alvyne Rethemeyer, 2004, with

contributions from other clergy and parish nurses is a user friendly source of information for

pastors, nurses, and lay people exploring options for developing their parish nurse ministries.

International Parish Nurse Resource Center, 1210 Peabody Ave, Memphis, Tennessee,

38104: provides resources. www. churchhealthcenter.org

Guide to the Personal Health Information Protection Act, Dec. 2004- a practical guide based on

the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA).The Act is an in-depth piece of

legislation designed to address very complex issues concerning the collection, use, and disclosure

of personal health information by health information custodians. Publication is available on

www.ipc.on.ca

College of Nurses of Ontario Practice Standard: Confidentiality and Privacy – Personal Health

Information.

**Check standards of confidentiality in your own jurisdiction.

Canadian Association for Parish Nursing Ministry (CAPNM): Standards of Practice, Parish

Nursing Ministry and other resources. CAPNM website: www.capnm.ca

Guide for Parish Nursing Core Competencies for Basic Parish Nurse Education Programs,

Canadian Association for Parish Nursing Ministry. CAPNM website: www.capnm.ca

CNA Nurse One - www.nurseone.ca or download PDF file - "a personalized interactive web-

based resource"

Parish Nursing Interest Group of the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario website at

www.rnao-pnig.org

** Each province has its own Standards of Nursing Practice. The Standards are part of the

Regulation and Licensing in any given province. The information regarding nursing standards,

regulation and licensing may be obtained through the specific agency.

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Notes