Parish Nurse Ministry
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Parish Nurse Ministry (Faith Community Nursing)
We are accountable to those we serve for the resources in our trust and for working in partnership with others to achieve shared goals in improving health and quality of life of our communities. Parish Nursing is an effective way for us to partner with community resources and a natural extension of our historical connection with area faith communities.
MeritCare provides support and resources to Parish Nurses (Faith Community Nurses), including financial support and/or technical support, education, networking opportunities and educational materials. Parish nurses address the spiritual, emotional and physical needs while bringing whole person health to their faith community members. The core roles of the parish nurse include personal health counselor, health educator, referral agent and liaison, health advocate, facilitator and coordinator of volunteers, developer of support groups and integrator of faith and health. Some of the services include assistance in obtaining medical services, adapting to life changes related to health, visiting in the home or hospital, coordinating and/or teaching education sessions and much more. This health ministry is designed to meet the needs of the individual faith community.
Faith Communities apply to be affiliated with MeritCare and through this affiliation, MeritCare supports ministry in 25 sites including two innovative programs at the YWCA Women's Shelter and the Churches United for the Homeless Shelter.
- From Tower City, N.D. to Warroad, Minn. – faith communities with parish nursing are spread across the MeritCare service region.
- We support faith communities in rural and urban areas in a variety of denominations and settings. We work with you to develop a parish nurse ministry that meets your needs.
- The Parish Nurses affiliated with MeritCare last year touched more than 10,000 lives.
- Over 20,000 faith community members across our region have access to a parish nurse and to whole person health ministry.
- Several faith communities host the MeritCare sponsored "Living Well Workshop" for people who live with ongoing health conditions.
- Health education is brought to the faith communities in a variety of forums. This includes bulletin inserts, newsletter articles, classes on topics such as heart disease, chronic conditions, diabetes, cancer, tobacco and alcohol prevention, nutrition, weight management, advance directives and health lifestyle classes.
Resources to Get You Started
MeritCare is pleased to offer resources to help you start a Parish Nurse Ministry Program in your faith community. If you have additional questions, please contact Janet Drechsel at 701-234-5818 or janet.drechsel@meritcare.com.