Parish Nursing

"Parish Nursing is the intentional integration of the practice of faith with the practice of nursing so that people can achieve wholeness in, with and through the community of faith in which parish nurses serve" (The fourteenth Annual Westberg Parish Nurse Symposium 2000).

The concept of parish nursing is relatively new in the Archdiocese of Portland, but the role of parish nurse is deeply rooted in the Catholic Church’s healing tradition. Not only does the parish nurse often provide under represented individuals with a valuable link to health care but acting of his or her own faith the parish nurse becomes a healing hand of the Church.

The Parish nurse always includes a focus on the spiritual dimension of health, often utilizing prayer, support groups and sacraments to promote healing. The parish nurse is an advocate, an intercessor, and a representative of God’s healing love.

WHAT DOES A PARISH NURSE DO?

Health Advocate

Educator on health issues

Advocate and Resource Person

Liaison to faith and community Resources

Teacher of volunteers and developer of support groups

Healer of body, mind, spirit and community

(Source: Canadian Association for Parish Nurse Ministry 2005)