With shortened hospital stays and decreasing home care benefits, our current health care system is putting our clients at risk. In our society, people desire healthier lifestyles but are inundated with less than reliable information. In recent years, area congregations began reclaiming their role of caring for the health needs of their members by utilizing parish/congregational nurses as part of their ministry. This model offers an opportunity for hospitals and other institutions to partner with the community to promote healthier lifestyles and protect those at risk.
American Nurses Association . (1998). Scopes and standards of parish nursing practice. Kansas City, MO: Washington, DC, Author.
2.
Health Ministries Association . (1995). Beginning a health ministry: A “how-to” manual (4th ed.). Minneapolis, MN: Lutheran Brotherhood.
3.
Marquette University College of Nursing, Outreach Office . (1994). The Wisconsin model of parish nursing. Milwaukee, WI: Author.
4.
Solari-Twadell, P. , Djupe, A., & McDermott, M. (Eds.). (1990). Parish nursing: The developing practice. Park Ridge, IL: National Parish Nurse Resource Center.
5.
Striepe, L. , King, J., & Scott, L. (1993). Nurses in the church: Profiles of caring. Journal of Christian Nursing, 10(1), 8-11.
6.
Westberg, G. , & Westberg-McNamara, J. (1990). The parish nurse. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress.
