PARISH HEALTH MINISTER/PARISH NURSE DEFINITION

A Parish Health Minister is a Registered nurse who is trained to assist persons in attaining or maintaining their individual optimal state of holistic wellness.  The role of the Parish Health Minister is flexible and is established to meet the needs of our church and community.  Our parish nurse has received specialized training in holistic health care.

The Parish Health Minister, does not practice direct “hands-on” health care and does not dispense medication, do blood tests or other invasive procedures.  Health ministry does not take the place of community nurse programs.

The overall goal of a Health Ministry Program at Zion is to promote a mind set that looks upon their congregation as a “health” place.

The Parish Nurse utilizes skills of teaching, counseling, and available resources.  Our parish nurse is available to discuss personal health problems, to recommend medical intervention, to make home, hospital and nursing home visits as indicated.  The parish nurse office is on the lower level of Zion.  The telephone extension is 314.   Her office hours are 8:30-4:30 on Wednesdays.

Accomplishments include facilitating communication, education, and collaboration among social agencies, the church, individuals and health professionals within the church and community, and the improvement of wholistic health and well being for the elderly and non-elderly persons within the congregation and within the community at large.

If you are interested in being a Care-partner to visit those in the nursing homes or homebound, please contact Zion.