A parish nurse, also known as a faith community nurse, is a registered nurse (RN) specialist who encourages physical and spiritual health and wholeness by developing and leading programs with faith communities, to promote wellness within the community they serve.

Most parish nurses work in churches, but they can also work in social service agencies and hospitals. Most hospitals have chapels, chaplains, and other spiritual leaders available for patient care needs. Some hospitals are faith-based organizations as well. They can also work independently, providing spiritual guidance and healing to members of their faith community.

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Parish nurses work similarly to holistic nurses- incorporating mind, body, and spirit to assist members of their faith community to heal and maintain overall health. Specifically, parish nurses may:

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• Provide preventive health screenings

• Visit members of their parish in homes or hospitals

• Counsel parishioners on medical or health issues

• Volunteer in various community service establishments (shelter, soup kitchens, ect.)

• Provide community resources to parishioners

• Educate patients on preventive health/ health maintenance

• Lead support groups

Parish nurses take a holistic approach to health and wellness, to include spiritual wellness. Roles and duties include:

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• Providing spiritual support to patients when faced with difficult health issues

• Serving as a liaison between patients, the community, and members of the health care team

• Mentoring volunteers and other members of their parish

• Starting up support groups

• Serving as a patient advocate/ resource person

• Educating patients on the importance of faith in relation to health and wellness