WHAT IS A PARISH NURSE?

A health educator…a personal health advocate…a source of referral to church and community service…an advocate…a facilitator…a volunteer coordinator…a teacher…a minister…a friend. The term Parish Nursing is a specialty practice recognized by the American Nurses Association since 1998. Specific educational training is required to become a Parish Nurse. 

A Parish Nurse is a Registered Nurse who understands that health is a dynamic process – one that involves the spiritual, psychological, social, as well as physical dimensions of a person. He or she is someone who will walk with you through life’s transitions and support you in your healing.

The role of a Parish Nurse is to promote health care, but not to provide it. A Parish Nurse is not a hands-on or home health nurse, but rather a counselor and advocate who can help you access the resources you need to address your health concerns.