Parish Nursing Program*

Philosophy of Parish Nursing

Parish nursing is a recognized specialty practice that combines professional nursing and health ministry. Parish nursing emphasizes health and healing within a faith community. The philosophy of parish nursing embraces four major concepts: spiritual formation; professionalism; shalom as health and wholeness; and community, incorporating culture and diversity.

The spiritual dimension is central to parish nursing practice. Personal spiritual formation is an ongoing, essential component of practice for the parish nurse and includes both self-care and hospitality, through opening the heart to self and others. Spiritual formation is an intentional process of intimacy with God to foster spiritual growth.

The parish nurse role reclaims the historic roots of professional nursing. Aspects of health and healing found in many faith traditions are embodied in the role of the parish nurse. The parish nurse practices under the scope and standards of practice and the ethical code of nursing as set forth in their country.

The parish nurse understands health to be a dynamic process that embodies the spiritual, psychological, physical, and social dimensions of the person. Shalom, God’s intent for harmony and wholeness, serves as a foundation for understanding health. A sense of well being can exist in the presence of imbalance, and healing can exist in the absence of cure Brueggemann, (1976).

The practice of parish nursing focuses on a faith community. The parish nurse, in collaboration with the pastoral staff and congregants, participates in the ongoing transformation of the faith community into sources of health and healing. Through partnership with other community health resources, parish nursing fosters new and creative responses to health and wellness concerns. Parish nurses appreciate that all persons are sacred and must be treated with respect and dignity. The parish nurse serves the faith community, creates safe and sacred places for healing, and advocates with compassion, mercy, and dignity.

Root Assumptions

Parish nursing is rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition, and is consistent with the basic assumptions of many faiths that we care for self and others as an expression of God’s love.

Mission

To challenge the nursing profession to reclaim spiritual dimensions of nursing care.

To challenge the health care system to provide whole person care.

To challenge the faith community to revitalize its healing mission.

WEST VIRGINIA PARISH NURSE RESOURCE CENTER

Parish Nursing Photo Gallery

For details or more information, please contact:
Robin Shepherd, MSN, CHPN, FCN
Vice President of Facility and Parish Nurse Programs
Hospice Care Corporation
3363 University Avenue
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 599-3105
Fax (304) 599-3109

* Developed through The International Parish Nurse Resource Center in consultation with
ANA and NLN credentialing center.