Parish Nurses Link Spirituality and Health
by A. Victoria Hunter
Training in holistic ministry and an emphasis on faith-based practice distinguish parish nurses from nurses who work in secular institutions. Committed to the belief that spirituality and good health are linked, parish nurses treat body, mind and spirit.
Jean Fraley, coordinator and supervisor for 34 parish nurses in Minnesota Conferences, explained their role:
"If we work in secular institutions, we don’t have as much freedom to use prayer and devotional material. In the secular world, spiritual well-being may be neglected. The only thing we don’t do is administer shots or change dressings. A public-health nurse would do that."
Ms. Fraley is the first parish nurse to be on staff at Riverview United Methodist Church in Brooklyn Park, Minn., where she is a member.
"We are small but do a lot of community work," she said. Ms. Fraley serves on Minnesota Conference’s Health Action Team.
Parish nurses visit church members in their homes and hospitals. They advocate for patients, make referrals and assist in acquiring health-care equipment. They can help parishioners with lifestyle changes and transitions, like adjusting to using walkers, living with diabetes or other chronic illness, or moving into assisted-care facilities.
Parish nurses promote wellness by doing regular blood-pressure checks and other health screenings. They coordinate blood banks, and develop support groups and health seminars. They help patients face such things as depression, osteoporosis and end-of-life issues, and can be present during emotional and spiritual crises.
Parish nursing is ecumenical and interfaith. There are approximately 6,000 parish nurses in the United States, many of whom have been in nursing for more than 10 years. Parish nursing in The United Methodist Church is linked with Congregational Health Ministries of the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries.
To be a parish nurse requires training and licensing as a Registered Nurse plus study in holistic ministry.
A. Victoria Hunter is senior writer for Response.