A Parish Nurse or Faith Community Nurse (FCN) is a nurse with specialized training which focuses on the intentional care of the spirit as well as the promotion of health and the prevention of illness. A Parish nurse focuses on the “whole” person (body, mind, and spirit) working alongside the pastors and Care team to identify and meet the health needs of the congregation.
What can a Parish Nurse do for YOU? Faith Community Nurses work in several different settings including churches, community outreach centers, hospitals, faith-based schools, and more. As your Parish Nurse, I will be focusing on our St. Luke’s congregation and community. The focus of a Parish Nurse is to provide listening, caring, support and resources to individuals and families on health -related issues, all the while bringing God into whatever crossroads they find themselves in during their daily lives.
To help you better understand, I’ve listed a few different ways a Parish Nurse can serve our congregation. Remember, Parish Nurses don’t take the place of your medical team, but rather help ‘fill the gaps’ in care.
· Make hospital or home visits to provide comfort and support during times of illness or health challenges.
· Be a health counselor by providing a listening and empathetic ear, clarity in understanding of a disease process, help with resources and providing spiritual and/or emotional care.
· Coordinate visits from our Care Visitation Team to homes, assisted-living or skilled nursing facilities, or hospitals.
· Provide additional education for a new diagnosis or to clarify any tests that have been ordered by your medical team.
· Serve as an advocate for you or a liaison between the you and your healthcare team when communication is difficult or assistance is needed, and to be available when there is no family support.
· Provide and connect you with community resources.
· Provide guidance when making difficult decisions for you or a family member when dealing with a long-term illness or end of life choices.
· Help integrate healthy practices and fitness within the church.
· Pray with and for you when overwhelmed with life’s challenges or any health concerns.
· Help coordinate meals using our Caring Kitchen meals or organizing a meal train during an illness, birth or death in the family, or other situation.
I am so very honored and blessed to serve as your Parish Nurse. I hope this brings a better understanding of the many ways a Parish Nurse can provide loving and spiritual care for you and your families and walk alongside you in your health journey. Let me know how I can help you.
Lisa Crump, RN, BSN, FCN
407-955-4756 direct line
lcrump@st.lukes.org