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Parish Nurse Ministry Update

News--Parish Nursing Ministry

It has been my honor to volunteer at St. Philip’s as our parish nurse over these past six months! I have been asked many times, “What exactly do you do as a parish nurse?” I hope I can explain a little more about it here.

Parish nursing began in the 1980s through the vision of Granger Westberg, a Lutheran pastor in Chicago, who had a vision for nursing to include the “intentional care of the spirit” as well the care of a person’s body. Much has transpired since then, and now parish nursing, known more commonly as faith community nursing, is a nationally recognized specialty of professional nursing. Learn more at westberginstitute.org/faith-community-nursing.

There are at least 56 nurses serving in churches in South Carolina, about 10 of whom I’ve visited and interviewed. I have learned that each nurse’s particular gifts and callings in their churches can be quite different. Some hold lots of workshops. Some coordinate compassionate care services like transportation, meals, repairs, accessibility modifications, etc., for the church, but all serve as nurse advocates and educators. My particular calling is toward the care and wellbeing of older parishioners whose health care is often fragmented or whose medications or medical conditions are confusing.  During over 40 years of hospital, home, and outpatient nursing in a variety of fields, the Lord has given me experience and a burden to help those who may need some help with these things, all the while bringing the presence and healing of our Lord Jesus into the equation. The good news is that most of us don’t need a parish nurse! Yet I am happy to jump to help when the need arises.

I can make home visits on a one-time basis or follow someone as long as needed. Here are just a few examples of why I might be called or sent a referral:

  • Someone being discharged on lots of new medications or family being asked to perform procedures like injections or wound care. I can make home visits for education and assistance in learning new home interventions.  Often there can be a gap between when a person is discharged and when home health is coming out.
  • Someone who does not have family close by who may have an important upcoming MD appointment and would like a second set of ears at the appointment.
  • Someone who may need help with – or have a parent who may need help with – managing their patient portal. We are all being pushed more and more to the portals. Not all folks are able to manage this without help.
  • Someone who would like a nurse to help them understand their lab work or pathology report.
  • Someone who just wants to know if something is serious enough to seek medical advice.
  • Someone or a spouse who is trying to navigate multiple issues like insurance coverage, whether or not to “age in place” with home modifications, or to transition to a retirement community.
  • Help in knowing what home care is available with and without insurance; when hospice is appropriate and what to expect when hospice is called in.

Over the past several months, I have made home visits for preparation for surgery, helped a caregiver learning to give an injection, and made post-operative visits. I have attended several important doctor’s appointments, and I am currently following two precious parishioners long term with home visits and phone calls.

I am also in the process of organizing an excellent new offering along with Juanita Orvin called Grief Share, which is a 13-week video based program for people who have lost a loved one. Look for more information to come in the next few months about this.

If you would like to have some input from me, you may contact me at 843-870-8844 or Bill Christian at the church office.