What is a parish nurse?
The creation of Parish Nurse positions represents a new perspective on health ministry. It is a response to the Presbyterian Church (USA) General Assembly policy statement that challenges individual congregations to become communities of health and wholeness. Churches are encouraged to become ‘vigorous and conscious promoters of health in all aspects in the life of the church, active advocates and agents of health in the social order, and responsible stewards of both health and health resources.’ Many congregations believe wholeheartedly that the wholeness of body, mind, spirit and community are interconnected and seek to embody that in their ministry.
This video tells how some congregations have utilized Parish Nurses in their health ministries. These Parish Nurses serve as personal health counselors, health educators, liaison persons with community resources, and facilitators.
