Parish
Wellness Program
Introducing our PARISH NURSE
What is
the mission of the Parish Wellness Program?
What is the role of the Parish Nurse?
What does the Parish Nurse not do?
What are examples of how the Parish
Nurse might assist me and my family?
How can I help with the Parish Wellness
Program?
What are the Parish Wellness Program's
philosophy and principles?
What
is the mission of the Parish Wellness Program?
The Parish Wellness Program is a health care ministry of the
Church which encourages individuals' physical, emotional,
spiritual, and social well-being in the context of their relationships
with God, family, and neighbor. The program is rooted
in the mission of the Church to spread the Kingdom of God
and to continue Christ's work of healing, recognizing God's
desire that we achieve abundant life, and reaffirming and
supporting the journey toward wholeness. Through this
program, the parish seeks to develop creative ways of addressing
needs and identifying resources to nurture health, wellness
and healing, and enables the congregation to serve God by
serving others.
What
is the role of the Parish Nurse?
PERSONAL HEALTH COUNSELOR: Discusses health concerns
and makes home, hospital and nursing home visits as needed;
acts as advocates for individuals by offering knowledge of
options for health and serves as a supportive presence as
members make life choices
HEALTH EDUCATOR: Promotes a wholistic approach to health
and healing; coordinates wellness-related educational offerings,
such as workshops, courses and support groups
FACILITATOR/REFERRAL
SOURCE: Acts as a liaison with community resources and
services; helps identify health and wellness needs and coordinate
resources within the congregation. Facilitates volunteers
within the congregation to meet the needs of other members
and the community; coordinates the Parish Wellness Program.
What does the Parish Nurse not do?
"Hands-on" patient care such as that offered by
Home Health nurses
Invasive nursing procedures such as drawing blood or giving
injections
What
are examples of how the Parish Nurse might assist me
and my family?
Help individuals and their families find community resources
to enable them to remain at home, or identify and evaluate
other options such as assisted living or nursing home facilities
Screen blood pressure; monitor blood pressure on a regular
basis
Help patients understand and implement physicians' recommendations
on medication, self care, diet, exercise, etc., and make informed
choices to promote optimal well-being
Offer understanding and confidential listening on problems
of all ages-- adolescents, seniors, middle age; suggest resources
when appropriate
How
can I help with the Parish Wellness Program?
Serve on the Advisory Committee
Plan and implement special parish events
Offer a special interest or expertise for wellness-related
educational offerings (seminars, support groups)
Help with communications and publicity
Nurses: Assist with blood pressure screenings and other
functions of the Parish Nurse.
All Parish Wellness
Program participants, including the Parish Nurse, serve on
a volunteer basis.
What
are the Parish Wellness Program's philosophy and principles?
All human beings are sacred, and are to be treated with respect
and dignity. Parish Nursing seeks to empower people
to become more active partners in managing their personal
health care resources. Professional standards or confidentiality
are maintained.
Parish Nursing seeks to build on and strengthen capacities
of individuals, families, and the congregation to care for
one another in light of their relationship with God, the community
of faith, and the broader society.
Health is a dynamic process which embodies the spiritual,
psychological, physical, and social dimensions of a person.
In Parish Nursing practice, the spiritual dimension is recognized
as central. Spiritual health is fundamental to well-being
and affects a person's entire being.
Therefore, well-being and illness can exist simultaneously.
Illness can be used in creative ways to evaluate life goals
and mobilize previously untapped strengths. Healing
can take place even in the absence of a cure. For instance,
a person approaching physical death may experience a high
quality of life, since physical well-being is only one aspect
of the whole.
For more
information contact GSL's Parish Nurse, Debbie Hooser.
