Parish Nurse / Health Ministries Program

Advocating health, wellness and wholeness in church congregations

What is Parish Nursing / Health Ministries?

Parish nursing is a program embraced by area church congregations advocating health, wellness and wholeness.

The Parish Nurse Ministry combines nursing and ministry to help individuals of all ages with their physical, emotional and spiritual needs.  It is showing the love of God by working to promote the well-being of members of a congregation.

Parish Nurses at each church are experienced, registered nurses who are committed to the church’s mission of fostering wellness.  The nurse participates in the life and activities of a congregation as a member of the local church.  She or he works to reflect God’s love by professionally, personally and confidentially assisting members of a congregation as a minister of health.

Each church individualizes their program and tailors it to meet the needs and interests of their own church.  A Parish Nurse is not a substitute for your personal physician.  The role of the Parish Nurse is to promote health care, not provide health care.

Through parish health ministry and parish nurse programs, churches are making visible a holistic commitment and providing a community alliance with the health care institutions.

For more information on how your parish or congregation can begin a Parish Nurse/ Health Ministries Program contact Laura, the Parish Nurse Coordinator at (563) 244-3750 or email at gassmanl@mercyhealth.com.