Bethlehem Lutheran Church

"Parish nursing is the intentional integration of the practice of nursing with the beliefs of a religious community." allnursingschools.com

Diane Waarvik and Gretchen Porter promote healing living both physically and spiritually as parish nurses. According to the American Nursing Association, parish nurses are registered nurses (RN) connected with a faith community whose responsibilities include:

• Health education and teaching
• Coordinating with community health resources and acting as a church liaison
• Training and coordinating volunteers in support services
• Organizing health support groups
• Assessing congregational and community health needs
• Responding to health-related issues such as substance abuse, addictions and violence within congregational families or the surrounding community
• Blood pressure monitoring
• One on one visits either at the church or individual's home