This page was last updated on: October 18, 2009
"A Guide for a Better Ending"
Visit the Central Massachusetts Partnership to Improve Care at the End Life website at:
Parish Nursing
is rooted in the
Judeo-Christian tradition, consistent with the basic assumptions of all faiths that we care for self and others as an expression of
God's Love.
Mission
The mission of 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.
Purpose
Challenge the nursing profession to reclaim the spiritual dimension of nursing care
Challenge the health care system to provide whole person care
Challenge the faith community to restore its healing mission
Strategic Vision
Access to a parish nurse ministry in every faith community.
Copyright 2009 - Hadwen Park Congregational Church, UCC
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United Church of Christ
6 Clover Street Worcester, MA 01603
Telephone: 508-752-7489
Sunday Worship Service - 10 AM
HADWEN PARK CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
Judith Hanlon, Pastor E-Mail: gracelift@aol.com
Serving Greater Worcester and Auburn, Massachusetts
Parish Nursing 101
In the past several months as I have introduced myself as the Parish Nurse to new folks, I have seen that "Oh?" look. But everyone is too polite to say "the what?" So I will offer a brief explanation of Parish Nursing.
Back in the early 1980's, Rev. Granger Westberg, at age 30, accepted the position of hospital chaplain in a large Chicago hospital. As he ministered to the patients, he noticed that the nurses also ministered to their patients by talking and by touch.
He describes nurses as having one foot in the medical world and one foot in the spiritual world. With encouragement from the nurses, Westberg started patient review conferences with doctors and nurses. For the first time doctor, nurse and chaplain sat together to develop care plans for their patients.
The nurses always emphasize the need for preventive care. It seemed to them that working through the local churches would be a good place to start. Thus, Parish Nursing was born.
Parish Nursing is a three pronged practice:
1. Provide spiritual support to parishioners.
2. Offer educational programs to the church.
3. Advocate for those who can’t advocate for themselves.
We are not the visiting nurses.
Parish Nursing has grown substantially in the past 25 years and spread to both coasts and encompasses most religious disciplines.
Now, you may ask, what makes a nurse a Parish Nurse and what is it you actually do? Parish Nurse is a nurse speciality governed by the American Nurses Association. A Parish Nurse must be a registered nurse licensed by her state. She/he must complete an accredited collegiate Parish Nurse certificate program.
In the early 2000's, Kathie Brouder worked with GDS to establish a Parish Nurse program here at Hadwen Park Church. I was blessed to be asked to participate in the program. And now I am YOUR Parish Nurse.
Some of the things I do are visit our folks in nursing homes, and those confined to their own homes. I see people in the hospital and when they go home.
Through networking I am able to secure social service for those who need some help. Supported by the Health and Wellness Committee we offer health related educational programs, and an informational bulletin board in Fellowship Hall. (All visits and conversations are strictly confidential).
It is a pleasure to serve this church. If you have needs, or know of someone who does or you have questions, please feel free to contact me by calling the church office 508-752-7489 or e-mailing me at jlmacmillan@verizon.net
Jan MacMillan, R.N.
Parish Nurse
