Nurses are the heartbeat of health care.
Parish nursing challenges churches to restore the health and healing mission of the gospel as a practical response to Christ’s invitation to serve our fellow human beings. The underlying causes of disease are often social, economic and spiritual, as well as biophysical. Many of the pre-conditions for health are present in a life lived in positive relationships with other people, the created environment and with God, thus recognising the connectedness between faith and health. At present our health system is heavily focused on the curative technologies and disease treatments, and often neglects or misses the spiritual link. We care for people and their:
Physical Health Spiritual Health Mental Health
What does a Parish Nurse do in a congregation?
Visits church members in their homes or hospitals, when they are sick, recuperating, or have particular health and wellness needs.
Provides advice on health – related issues, such as blood pressure, weight management, blood sugar levels, and personal health advice.
Accompanies members to hospital appointments and advocates for them with health services. (In the future)
Explains the relationship between body, mind and spirit, including prayer and discussion of spiritual issues, as part of the parish pastoral care team.
Can give Home Communion if requested.
Helps members adapt to life changes, such as deciding to move into a community rest home.
Organises health and safety education, health care teaching, e.g. falls prevention classes for the elderly. (In the Future)
Parish nurses are not expected to provide patient care in the church or at a patient’s home. They are a source of referrals for services available in the health system. They co-ordinate existing services and supplement them with a holistic dimension of health and caring.
The Parish Nurse is available to everyone in the congregation. Most time will probably be spent with those with high needs: the elderly.
Education about wellness and attention to the care of physical illness is at the top of the list. A parish nurse has time to spend with individuals to help them look at their lifestyles and understand their health risks, or to explain a diagnosis, or treatment of illness. A Parish Nurse can arrange for educational programmes to help the elderly to stay healthy and enable them to stay in their own homes as long as possible.
Our Parish Nurse, Isabel Mordecai is an experienced registered nurse and will be working in the Parish for 8 hours per week.
Contact:
Rev. Isabel Mordecai
Phone: 479-8730
email: mordecai@orcon.net.nz
Spiritual Direction
Celebrancy
Counselling
Life Coaching
Supervision
Professional Development/Training
Parish Nurse
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