About VPNM________________________
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Valley Parish Nurse Ministry, Inc., established in 1998, is a nonprofit organization under the direction of a community ecumenical board of trustees. This ministry is funded through contributions from individuals, member churches and community and church denominational grants. Valley Parish Nurse Ministry promotes community awareness of parish nurse activity; links faith oriented, qualified nurses to congregations; and educates local RN's on parish nurse topics. For more information on how to benefit from the Valley Parish Nurse Ministry or for church membership, call Janet at 330-382-9440 or email us at valleyparish@yahoo.com
Our Mission
Valley Parish Nurse Ministry will enable registered nurses, using Jesus as their model, to serve as parish nurses promoting congregational and community wholeness and health.
Philosophy of Parish Nursing
Parish Nursing (also known as Faith Community Nursing) is a specialty practice and professional model of health ministry distinguished by the following beliefs: The parish nurse role reclaims the historical roots of health and healing found in many religious traditions. The spiritual dimension is central to parish nursing practice. Personal spiritual formation is essential for the parish nurse. The practice holds that all persons are sacred and must be treated with respect and dignity. Compelled by these beliefs the parish nurse serves, advocating with compassion, mercy and justice. The parish nurse assists and supports individuals, families and communities in becoming more active partners in the stewardship of personal and communal health resources. The parish nurse understands health to be a dynamic process that embodies the spiritual, psychological, physical and social dimensions of the person. Spiritual health is central to well-being and influences a person's entire being. A sense of well-being can exist in the presence of disease and healing can exist in the absence of cure. The focus of practice is the faith community and its ministry. The parish nurse, in collaboration with pastoral staff and congregants, participates in the ongoing transformation of the faith community into a source of health and healing. Through partnership with other community health resources, parish nursing fosters new and creative response to health and wellness concerns.
-International Parish Nurse Resource Center
History
The concept of parish nursing is the result of Rev. Granger Westburg, a chaplain with years of experience serving in medical schools and hospitals. It was ecumenical from the start. In 1983 he started an experimental project whereby nurses added health care to their church's ministry. Studies have shown the importance of the spiritual element of healing. This is not a new concept. It conforms to what the Bible has always said about the Christian responsibility for the physical and spiritual well being of others.
Who Is a Parish Nurse?
Parish nurses are registered nurses who have received additional education in parish nursing. They are willing to serve within their own congregation or an agreed upon faith community to intentionally promote wellness in mind, body and spirit.
Potential Roles of a Parish Nurse
Integrator of Faith and Health
In all activities and contacts, the parish nurse seeks to promote the understanding of the relationship between faith and health.
Health Educator
Promotes an atmosphere where individuals of all ages can learn through a variety of educational activities.
Personal Health Counselor
Discusses health issues and concerns with individuals. This may occur at an office in the church or at a home, hospital or nursing home visit.
Referral Agent
Referrals are provided to other congregational resources and to local and national resources.
Facilitator of Volunteers
Recruits and coordinates volunteers within the congregation to serve in various health ministries.
Developer of Support Group
Facilitates the development of support groups for members of the faith community and people from the external community.
Health Advocate
Works with the client, faith community and primary health resources to provide what is in the best interest of the client from a whole person perspective, listening and supporting the client to do what they can do and being their voice when they seem to have none.
Who Benefits from VPNM?
Individuals:
Our Mission
Valley Parish Nurse Ministry will enable registered nurses, using Jesus as their model, to serve as parish nurses promoting congregational and community wholeness and health.
Philosophy of Parish Nursing
Parish Nursing (also known as Faith Community Nursing) is a specialty practice and professional model of health ministry distinguished by the following beliefs: The parish nurse role reclaims the historical roots of health and healing found in many religious traditions. The spiritual dimension is central to parish nursing practice. Personal spiritual formation is essential for the parish nurse. The practice holds that all persons are sacred and must be treated with respect and dignity. Compelled by these beliefs the parish nurse serves, advocating with compassion, mercy and justice. The parish nurse assists and supports individuals, families and communities in becoming more active partners in the stewardship of personal and communal health resources. The parish nurse understands health to be a dynamic process that embodies the spiritual, psychological, physical and social dimensions of the person. Spiritual health is central to well-being and influences a person's entire being. A sense of well-being can exist in the presence of disease and healing can exist in the absence of cure. The focus of practice is the faith community and its ministry. The parish nurse, in collaboration with pastoral staff and congregants, participates in the ongoing transformation of the faith community into a source of health and healing. Through partnership with other community health resources, parish nursing fosters new and creative response to health and wellness concerns.
-International Parish Nurse Resource Center
History
The concept of parish nursing is the result of Rev. Granger Westburg, a chaplain with years of experience serving in medical schools and hospitals. It was ecumenical from the start. In 1983 he started an experimental project whereby nurses added health care to their church's ministry. Studies have shown the importance of the spiritual element of healing. This is not a new concept. It conforms to what the Bible has always said about the Christian responsibility for the physical and spiritual well being of others.
Who Is a Parish Nurse?
Parish nurses are registered nurses who have received additional education in parish nursing. They are willing to serve within their own congregation or an agreed upon faith community to intentionally promote wellness in mind, body and spirit.
Potential Roles of a Parish Nurse
Integrator of Faith and Health
In all activities and contacts, the parish nurse seeks to promote the understanding of the relationship between faith and health.
Health Educator
Promotes an atmosphere where individuals of all ages can learn through a variety of educational activities.
Personal Health Counselor
Discusses health issues and concerns with individuals. This may occur at an office in the church or at a home, hospital or nursing home visit.
Referral Agent
Referrals are provided to other congregational resources and to local and national resources.
Facilitator of Volunteers
Recruits and coordinates volunteers within the congregation to serve in various health ministries.
Developer of Support Group
Facilitates the development of support groups for members of the faith community and people from the external community.
Health Advocate
Works with the client, faith community and primary health resources to provide what is in the best interest of the client from a whole person perspective, listening and supporting the client to do what they can do and being their voice when they seem to have none.
Who Benefits from VPNM?
Individuals:
- Increase awareness of the relationship between faith and health
- Learn optimal management of chronic illness
- Are screened for early detection
- Learn healthy life style changes to reduce risk factors
- Receive periodic health assessment
- Are linked to needs of elderly, ill or isolated
- Have raised awareness of wholeness in health and wellness
- Reach out to individuals by showing concern for their health needs
- Receive a resource for the pastor
- Have a means to put faith into action
- Receive a network for parish nurse knowledge and fellowship
- Receive CEU's at low cost
- Receive satisfaction through giving caring support to others.