“My dear friend, I hope everything is
going happily with you and that you
are as well physically as you are spiritually.”  
3 John: 2

What is Parish Nursing?

Parish nursing is the practice of noninvasive, holistic health care within a faith community.  The key element that distinguishes it from other types of health care is the fundamental belief in the relationship between spirituality and health.  The early church was one of the first providers of health care. Today, the church’s role is to promote health, recognizing that wellness comes from a combination of spiritual, physical, emotional and relational health.

Parish nurses integrate faith and health, seeking to help keep the congregation healthy by embracing the whole person; caring for the body, mind and spirit together.  Confidentiality is crucial to this ministry and is strictly maintained.  Knox recognized the importance of establishing a health ministry and hired its first parish nurse in April 2001 as a part time staff position. 

How does the Parish Nurse serve our congregation?

v   By providing visitation from an experienced registered nurse as needed or requested at home, in the hospital or long-term care facilities.  This is available to all age groups: children, teens, new parents, adults and older adults.

v   By serving as a patient advocate.  This may be as simple as helping an individual know what questions to ask in preparation for a doctor visit or as involved as providing advocacy to an individual who is ill with no family to speak for them, to make sure their needs are being met.

v   By providing health education through leading or coordinating health related programs that empower people to act in ways that improve their well-being.  Providing informative information in the monthly newsletter as well as health tips on the church website.  Also, by being available to answer general health questions such as “What is the definition of high blood pressure?”

v   The parish nurse is a resource of information regarding community services and agencies as needed.

v  The parish nurse promotes the health of the congregation by providing services such as monthly blood pressure screening and coordinating annual flu shots.

v  The parish nurse assists member to maintain wellness in the midst of illness or other crisis, working closely with the Pastors and Stephen Ministers.

What a Parish Nurse Does Not Do

t Diagnose illness
t Prescribe or supply medicine
t Perform invasive procedures, i.e. giving injections, performing
           dressing changes etc.
t Replace home health care or hospital nursing care.