Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 1 Peter 5:2

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Our Philosophy

In congruence with the philosophy of parish nursing, health ministry and parish nursing emphasize health and healing within a faith community. Four major concepts are embraced: spiritual formation, professionalism, shalom as health and wholeness; and community, incorporating culture and diversity.

Spirit

The spiritual dimension is central to parish/faith community nursing practice. Personal spiritual formation is an ongoing, essential component of practice for the parish/faith community 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.

Roots

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

Shalom

The parish/faith community 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.

Community

The practice of parish/faith community nursing focuses on a faith community. The parish/faith community 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, nurses foster new and creative responses to health and wellness concerns. Parish/faith community 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.