A MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HEALING
Parish Nursing is an emerging area of specialized professional nursing practice. Read below to find out how All Saints' Kingsway is implementing this new and vital Ministry.
What is Parish Nursing?
Parish Nursing is a movement to recover the mandate of the church to heal. Parish Nursing practice holds the spiritual dimension to be central to the practice. It also encompasses the physical, psychological and social dimensions of nursing practice and the integration of body, mind and spirit. The focus of the practice is the faith community and its ministry. The Parish Nurse in collaboration with the pastoral staff and congregational members participates in the ongoing transformation of the faith community into a place of health and healing. Through partnerships with other community health resources, parish nursing fosters new and creative responses to health concerns.
The Christian Church has a long history of involvement in healing and care of the sick. Jesus was a healer who restored people to wholeness in body, mind and spirit. Through His example, religious orders and congregations have responded to His call to care for His people.
The Parish Nurse:
- Employs a health promotion and illness prevention model
- Health Educator
- Personal Health Counsellor
- Source of Referral to Church and Community resources
- Facilitator and Teacher of Volunteers
- Interpreter of the Relationship between Faith and Health
- Bridge between Institution and Congregation
- Pastoral Partner
What Does the Parish Nurse Do?
As believers in Jesus Christ, we are called to heal the broken-hearted, to bring comfort to the sick and to promote wellness and preventative care for each person we serve.
The Parish Nurse, with the support of the Parish Nurse Committee, provides:
- Education - through existing and new programs, the Parish Nurse helps to raise the health awareness of the church community to promote wellness and prevention. The Parish Nurse is a resource of information on community services and agencies.
- Health Counselling - Individual consultation through office, home, hospital, Out of the Cold or community visits to discuss health concerns and to provide support in times of crisis or bereavement.
- Advocacy - to help in navigating the health care system and obtaining health care that is needed.
- Facilitation and Coordination of Volunteers - Caring in Crisis Team and Lay Visitors Team.
Ongoing Parish Nurse Programs:
- Blood Pressure Clinic - every 3rd Sunday after the 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM Services
- Exercise Club - Fridays at 11:00 AM
- Visitation for health counselling and pastoral assistance.
- Out of the Cold - health assessment, counselling, referral, foot care.
- Parish Nurse Bulletin Board and Bulletin Inserts - health promotion education
- Education Workshops - on a variety of Topics - watch the bulletin board for upcoming workshops.
Who is the Parish Nurse at All Saints' Kingsway?
Deacon Pastoral Assistant, The Reverend Jennifer Cameron, B.Sc.N., R.N. is a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Toronto and a Certificate in Parish Nurse Ministry from McMaster University, Divinity College. If you would like to contact Jennifer to discuss your health concerns or to ask about the Parish Nurse Program, call the Church Office 416-233-1125, ext. #6 or
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.
As disciples of Christ we are released into God's grace so that we may follow the life and teachings of Jesus to love one another as he first loved us. |
