WMUV – Woman's Missionary Union of Virginia

Latest News (Posted 7/7/10)

Applications Being Accepted NOW
The Faith Community Nurse Course will be offered again through Centra beginning October 1. The basic preparation course enables participants to provide wholistic health care in local faith communities. The course incorporates lecture, small group work, discussion, individual projects, and audiovisual material for an interactive educational experience.

Faculty includes Congregational Health leaders, Pastoral Care Staff, as well as selected guest speakers. A certificate will be given upon completion of the course. Enrollment is limited.  Dates for the course: October 1,2,15,16 and November 5,6, 19 and 20. Application materials are available at the Congregational Health website: http://clergy.centrahealth.com/WebPages/conghlth.aspx.

What does a Faith Community/Parish Nurse do?

A Faith Community/Parish Nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who has had educational preparation in wholistic ministry and who provides special health promotion services within a given faith community. She/he assists individuals in gaining optimal mental, physical and spiritual health by complementing the ministry provided by the Pastor(s) and other lay ministers.

Faith Community/Parish Nurses perform different services from church to church, based on the congregation’s needs. Some of the services/programs might include:

• Screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, glaucoma and overall fitness
• Classes for all age groups offered on health related issues (e.g., advance directives, nutrition, exercise, parenting, elderly parents care, stress management and CPR)
• Hospital, nursing home and home visits for assessment of health care needs
• Special prayer and healing services
• Referrals to appropriate community resources
• Health tips in newsletter, bulletin or informational board.

A Faith Community/Parish Nurse serves as a bridge to better HEALTH in the following roles:

Assesses the needs of a congregation and plans programs accordingly

The Parish Nurse is a:

Health Counselor:  assisting people with understanding of medical diagnoses,  providing support in times of crisis, visiting members.

Educator:  teaches about health & wellness related topics integrating body, mind & spirit.

Advocate:  helps members understand their health care needs, may    accompany members for medical appointment or provide transportation or assistance.

Liaison:  makes referrals to community agencies, provides information and   resources to meet health care needs.

Trainer:  trains and leads health & wellness ministry team, informs     congregation of current health trends

Healer:  relying on the power of the Holy Spirit, encourages healing of body, mind and spirit through prayer, presence, and visitation.

Ideas for Starting a Faith Community/Parish Nursing/Lay Community Health Team

Contact WMUV’s Health & Wellness Consultant for a consultation

Pray for discernment and guidance

Assess the needs of your congregation and community

Talk with your pastor to enlist his/her support for this ministry

Enroll in a training program

Begin to provide health & wellness programs for your church & community (grief support, divorce recovery, stress management, self-esteem issues, intimacy issues, healing from sexual abuse, weight management, anger management, etc.)

Training opportunities

BonSecours

Shenandoah University

Who Can Participate in this Ministry?

Registered or Licensed Practical Nurses

Certified Nurses Assistants

Allied Health Professionals

Lay Health Members

Holistic Health Practitioners