Spirituality and Parish Nursing |
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May 1, 2006
by Gabby Hyman
gabby.hyman@healthcare-programs.com
Healthcare Programs Columnist
Since 1997, the American Nurses Association has recognized parish nursing as a specialty practice. Many people in the midst of their successful nursing careers--and others who are just beginning nursing school--are called to apply their nursing education within a spiritual context.
A parish nurse is someone who has already completed schooling and is an experienced, registered nurse. With additional training, a parish nurse is then qualified to serve the spiritual community in a wide-range of medical and social roles.
Nursing Beyond the Sickbed
A parish nurse follows fundamental principles of mercy, justice, and compassion. If you want to explore this role, you may be required to seek additional interdisciplinary schooling in theology, social ethics, grief and loss counseling, religious history, and philosophy. Some institutions require theology baccalaureate and master's degrees in addition to your education and licensing as a registered nurse.
Many nurses find that their work in parishes enables them to become more involved in the overall mental, physical, and spiritual health of their patients than they might experience from serving within traditional medicine. In short, a parish nurse is called upon to provide counseling and education in the overall healthcare and well-being for parishioners.
Faith and Healing
In addition to having sound nursing skills, parish nurses must know (or be willing to learn in school) how to combine faith-based principles with traditional healthcare methodology. You may be asked to form and coordinate volunteer groups to assist in supporting congregation members who suffer from ill health or who face potentially fatal medical conditions.
Parish nursing has evolved from a complex tradition of bringing the spiritual into daily practice. Nurses participate in church course development, education, religious ceremonies, and parish organizational meetings. Parish nursing is not for everyone, but it may be ideal for you.
About the Author
Gabby Hyman has written for print and online media for more than 20 years. He holds an MFA in fiction writing from the University of Alabama.
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