Referral and Resource Agent - In this capacity, she serves sponsoring congregations and the community as a liaison to health care facilities and health service organizations. As Referral and Resource Agent, the Parish Nurse may obtained medical care and medication for uninsured individuals, as well as provided resources and referrals to others to assist them in obtaining health information and services for their particular needs.
Health Advocate - In this role, the Parish Nurse works with the client, faith community and primary health resources to provide what is in the best interest of the client from a whole person perspective. She listens and supports the client in doing what they can do, and is their voice when they seem to have none.
Health Educator and Counselor - The Parish Nurse serves sponsoring congregations and the community as a Health Educator and Counselor. She is available to discuss health issues and problems with individuals and make home, hospital and nursing home visits as needed. She educates and counsels by:
· Presenting current health information on individual and
group levels · Informing client and families of various stages of disease
progression · Explaining medical results to clients and families in lay
terms · Educating clients and families on daily management and
control of chronic and terminal conditions · Providing spiritual and emotional support for clients and
families living with chronic and terminal conditions Wellness and Prevention Promoter - The Parish Nurse is proactive in disease prevention as Wellness and Prevention Promoter. With the recognition that most illnesses are the result of lifestyle choices, the Parish Nurse draws on current health information and blends this with the beliefs and practices of a faith community to promote health as wholeness and to prevent or minimize illness by:
· Offering health information through fairs and screenings
· Offering and conducting exercise programs and a weight
loss support group · Providing information on the early warning signs and
symptoms of diseases and illnesses · Performing diagnostic checks to help clients and
congregations manage blood pressure, blood sugar and weight
· Consulting with congregations who wish to establish
health policies Respected Speaker and Presenter - The Parish Nurse is a sought-after community speaker and presenter. She shares general health information and promotes Parish Nursing in this role. The Parish Nurse is capable of speaking on a variety of topics such as healthy lifestyles, diet and exercise, nutritional supplements, chronic illnesses, Medicare, Alzheimer’s/dementia and end-of-life issues.
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