First Presbyterian Church
Charlottesville, VA

The parish nurse concept has a long tradition of health and healing. Documentation appears in early recorded history in both the Old and the New Testaments of the Bible. The first record of the concept appears in the book of Romans 16:1-2 and the story of Phoebe. The Apostle Paul admonishes the Romans to welcome Phoebe, "a servant of the church and to assist her in her business of aid, help and rescue to its parishioners."

The need for a parish nurse program today is the result of many forces of change active in the health care system. Health care delivery is fragmented and dependent on the client's ability to navigate the system. Health promotion and support of mind and spirit are often pushed aside as traditional health care providers are challenged to keep up with paperwork, expectations of HMOs and other governing bodies. Our vision is that the parish nurse will work collaboratively with the current system and resources, with an emphasis on spirituality and compassion.

The role of a parish nurse is defined in the acronym C.A.R.E.S.: C = a Consultant, A = an Advocate, R = a Resource, E = an Educator, and S = a Support.

Below is a general guideline as to when to call the parish nurse:

• When someone you know has been diagnosed with a serious illness and you have questions and need support.
• When you need help accessing insurance, home healthcare or hospice.
• When you need a compassionate listener during a life transition.
• When you need help communicating with your physician or other healthcare professionals.
• When you’re exploring nursing home or other congregate living arrangements.
• When you’re caring for a loved one at home and need support.
• When you’re facing surgery or have started a new medication.
• When you’re dealing with anxiety, stress or depression.
• When you’re caring for a new baby and have no family locally to call on for support.
• When illness/lifestyle choices have you trying a new diet, and you need information/support.
• When you’re sorting through treatment or end-of-life options for yourself or a family member.

Nonetheless...

• The parish nurse does not have all of the answers.
• The parish nurse cannot always help everyone who asks.
• The parish nurse cannot be on call 24 hours a day.
• The parish nurse cannot be accountable to everyone.
• The parish nurse is not a pseudo minister.
• The parish nurse does not do invasive procedures.

First Presbyterian Church
500 Park Street
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
Phone: (434) 296-7131   Fax: (434) 296-0751
www.fpchurch.com
info@fpchurch.com