Caring for the whole person - mind, body and spirit

Susan, a faith community nurse volunteering in her church and a Texas Health Resources employee, recently worked with a family dealing with cancer.

Treatment options were exhausted and the individuals were overwhelmed with trying to determine what to do and how to navigate this next chapter. The couple was not an official member of her congregation, but she had been called by a church member to help answer some questions. Susan asked to meet with them and began to help them explore the options. Hospice care was initiated. Over the next couple of weeks or so Susan continued to support the family with her prayers, presence and actions. The wife died recently with her husband at her side. Susan was at the door a short time later and helped make the necessary calls to family and friends and support the husband during this tough period.

The faith community nurses I work with would tell you this is no big deal, it is what they do. But to a family or individual in need these actions can make a world of difference.

Have you ever heard the title of faith community nurse or parish nurse and wondered what that is? A Faith Community Nurse (FCN) or Parish Nurse is a registered nurse who chooses to work (paid and unpaid) in a church, synagogue, temple or other faith community to improve the health of that community. Faith community nurses focus on social, spiritual, psychological needs as well as the physical well being of the individual and community. Texas Health Resources covenants, or partners, with these nurses to support their ministry.

Does your church have a faith community nurse? They are a great resource in today’s complex health care system. It is also a super opportunity for nurses to give back to the community. If you're interested in learning more about the program, please contact me at 817-355-7870.

Karen Wright RN MSN
Faith Community Nursing Coordinator
Texas Health HEB