Faith community nursing

Faith Community Nursing (also known as Parish Nursing) is a recognized specialty by the American Nurses Association and the UK Nursing and Midwifery Council. It emphasizes the intentional care of the spirit, promotion of an integrative model of health, and prevention and minimization of illness within the context of a faith community.

History

The concept of Faith Community Nursing can be traced back to the early Christian era. However, the modern movement of Faith Community Nursing was initiated by Rev. Dr. Granger Westberg in the mid-1980s. Westberg, a Lutheran minister and hospital chaplain, recognized the need for a more holistic approach to healthcare, one that incorporated spiritual care.

Role and Responsibilities

Faith Community Nurses have a variety of roles and responsibilities within their faith communities. These include health educator, personal health counselor, referral agent, trainer of volunteers, developer of support groups, and health advocate. They also serve as a liaison between the faith community, hospitals, and other healthcare resources.

Education and Training

Faith Community Nurses are registered nurses who have completed specialized education in Faith Community Nursing. The curriculum is based on the Scope and Standards of Practice for Faith Community Nursing developed by the Health Ministries Association and the American Nurses Association.

Challenges and Opportunities

Faith Community Nursing faces several challenges, including lack of awareness about the role, lack of funding, and the need for ongoing education and support for nurses in this specialty. However, there are also many opportunities, such as the growing recognition of the importance of spiritual care in health and the potential for Faith Community Nursing to play a key role in health promotion and disease prevention.

See Also

• Nursing
• Community Health Nursing
• Holistic Health
• Spiritual Care