Parish Nurse

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Parish Nursing

PARISH NURSE ROLES

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Health Educator
Health Counselor
Liaison with the Community
Facilitator of Volunteers
Integrator of Faith and Health

ROOTS OF PARISH NURSING

The roots of the close relationship of the profession of nursing and church can be found in Paul's letter to Roman's. Through out history nursing care has been closely tied to Christianity. Deaconess's were the earliest organized nurses. Through out the middle ages numerous nursing orders were established. The founder of modern nursing Florence Nightingale believed that the nursing role included ministering to the spiritual as well as physical and emotional needs of the individual. Nursing Education began in the diploma schools that were primarily operated by churches and thus closely tied to Christianity.

The concept of Parish nursing evolved as hospital chaplain Granger Westberg observed the roles of nurses as they served to bridge the gap between the humanities and sciences. He felt that the parish nurse can prepare the congregation for it's role in preventative medicine. The first parish nurse programs grew out of this work. Parish Nursing in the PC(USA) is placed under PHEWA and the Presbyterian Health Network (PHN). The PC(USA) sponsors two annual Parish Nursing Conferences each June and October.

Each congregation designs their Parish Nurse program based on the unique skills of their Parish Nurse and the needs and desires of the church and pastor. Within the Presbytery of Southern Kansas an informal network of Parish Nurses has formed. We meet quarterly for a time of networking. For information contact Pam Evans

Churches with Parish Nurses

Derby First Presbyterian

Lakin Presbyterian

Wichita Covenant Presbyterian

McPherson First Presbyterian

Hutchinson Forest Park Presbyterian

Wichita Trinity Presbyterian

Wichita Eastminster Presbyterian

Wichita Grace Presbyterian

Hutchinson Northminster Presbyterian

Wichita Westwood Presbyterian

Wichita First Presbyterian