Philosophy of Parish Nursing
Parish nursing is an emerging area of specialized professional nursing practice distinguished by the following
characteristics:
Parish nursing practice holds the spiritual dimension to be central to the practice. It also
encompasses the physical, psychological and social dimensions of nursing practice.
The parish nurse role balances: knowledge and skill: the sciences, theology and
humanities; service and worship; and nursing care with pastoral care functions.. The
historical roots of the role are intertwined with those of monks and nuns, deacons and
deaconesses, church nurses, traditional healers, and the nursing profession itself
The focus of practice is the faith community and its ministry. The parish nurse in
collaboration with the pastoral staff and congregational members participates in the
ongoing transformation of the faith community into a source of health and healing.
Through partnership with other community health resources, parish nursing fosters new
and creative responses to health concerns.
Parish nursing services are designed to build on and strengthen capacities of individuals,
families, and congregations to understand and care for one another in light of
their relationship to GOD, faith traditions, themselves, and the broader society. The practice
holds that ALL persons are sacred and MUST be treated with respect and dignity. In
response to this belief, the parish nurse assists and empowers individuals to become
more active partners in the management of their personal health resources.
The parish nurse understands health to be a dynamic process which embodies the spiritual, psychological, physical and social dimensions of the person. Spiritual health is central to well-being and influences a person's entire being. Therefore, a sense of well-being and illness may occur simultaneously. Healing may exist in the absence of cure.
Parish Nurses must take responsibility for their own professional development.
However, the structure and content of lifelong professional development opportunities
should meet both their immediate and future professional goals. |
