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Parish nursing is a Christ-centered congregational ministry that focuses on health promotion within the faith community and in so doing, reclaims the healing ministry of the church. It is based on the belief that true healing involves the body, mind and spirit. Health is viewed as not only the absence of disease but as a sense of physical, social, psychological and spiritual well being.
A Parish Nurse is a registered nurse who functions as an active member of the parish ministry team, and facilitates the wholistic health of a congregation. As the Parish Nurse at Geneva Lutheran Church, Barb Christenson, serves in a variety of roles. These roles are determined in collaboration with the Pastor, and based on response to the specific needs and priorities of the congregation. Ministry visions and goals are developed to support Geneva Lutheran’s Mission statement - that as Baptized followers of Jesus we S.E.R.V.E.
Programs and ministries provided:
- Serves as a health educator with emphasis on the relationship between faith and health:
- Available to lead or arrange health-related programs
- Promotes health awareness through articles in weekly bulletins and monthly newsletter
- Provides one-to-one individual counseling with members in Parish Nurse Office
- Makes nursing home, hospital & home visits.
- Acts as an advocate for members
- Accompany members on physician visits
- Provide transportation for health needs
- Assist in utilizing and understanding the healthcare system services
- Acts as a liaison to community resources for members
- Facilitates support groups to meet the needs of the parish (i.e. Fox Valley Hospice Grief Support group)
- Acts as a coordinator of volunteers for caring ministries at Geneva Lutheran
- Eucharistic Ministry
- Meal Missionaries
- Provena Geneva Care Center Eucharistic Ministry
- Shut-in Ministry for support to those who are ill and homebound
- Home Visits
- Card Care
- Annual Maundy Thursday Luncheon Program
- Transportation to church services, funerals and special events
- Provides health promotion and awareness by providing a variety of resources, activities and opportunities for members, including community involvement
- Coordinates 2 Flu shot Clinics every Fall (Oct 8-1-3pm & Nov 2 between services)
- Facilitates Community Blood Drives through out the year (Oct 23rd)
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