Parish Nursing offers the opportunity for nurses to serve as a link between secular healthcare and faith-based systems. Nurses with disabilities may find rewarding opportunities as parish nurses. Academic programs are increasing in number. They include certificate, distance learning, post-BSN and master's degree programs. The following resources include some of the academic programs, organizations and books related to the field.

Note - According to the University of Indianapolis web site, Parish Nursing does not involve "hands on" medical care such as giving medications, dressing changes, or drawing blood.

General Information
The International Parish Nurse Resource Center
Offers an overview of parish nursing. The philosophy, root assumptions, mission and purpose are provided.

Scope and Standards of Parish Nursing Practice
The American Nurse's Association, in collaboration with the Health Ministries Association, describes professional responsibilities and accountability for parish nurses.

The Parish Nursing Forum

Academic Programs
Concordia University Wisconsin Distance Learning Program
Marquette University
Valparaiso University
Wesley Theological Seminary
University of Indianapolis
The University of Louisiana at Monroe Online Course

Books
The Parish Nurse: Providing a Minister...
By Granger Westberg
This book presents a creative way for congregations to provide a holistic ministry.

Parish Nursing: Stories of Service and Care
By Verna Benner Carson
These engaging stories weave practical advice for parish nurses.

Nursing in the Church
This book offers suggestions for using your nursing skills in the church.

The Disabled God: Toward a Liberatory...
By Nancy Eiesland
The author forces the reader to examine attitudes that segregate rather than include people with disabilities.

Nursing Within a Faith Community:...
By Margaret Clark and Joanne Olson
This book broadens "parish nursing" to include the rich diversity of faith traditions and faith communities.

Mentors
Parish Nursing ssirl@ncweb.com

Helpful Links
Health Ministry Association
The professional membership organization for:
Faith Community Nurses
Program Coordinators
Lay Health Ministers
Clergy
Health Educators
Faculty

International Parish Nurse Resource Center
Deaconess Parish Nurse Ministries is a St. Louis-based parish nurse program with parish nurses serving over 40 congregations and faith-based organizations.

Presbyterian USA Parish Nurses
Parish nursing practice holds the spiritual dimension to be central to the practice. It also encompasses the physical, psychological and social dimensions of nursing practice.

Carle Foundation Parish Nurses
A nursing resource for the body, mind, and spirit.