People often leave the hospital before they feel they are ready. Sometimes they get home and wonder if they remembered their home care instructions correctly. Or they develop concerns that they feel are too minor to call the doctor. Sometimes
they get too focused on their illness.Imagine how helpful it could be to have a caring parishioner call or drop by who also happens to be a Registered Nurse.
The purpose of a Parish Nurse is to bridge pastoral care with medical care. They do not give "hands on" patient care such as that done by Home Health nurses or render nursing procedures such as drawing blood or giving injections. They can advise persons in their self care such as diet, encouragement to see physicians, care of dressings and much more.
The Roles of the Parish Nurse:
- Health counselor
- Educator of holistic health
- Advocate/resource person
- Liaison to community services
- Teacher of volunteers
- Healer of spirit, mind and body
Parish nursing is a unique, specialized practice of professional nursing which focuses on values, beliefs and practices of a faith community, its mission and ministry to its members (families and individuals) and the community it serves.
In addition to making contact calls on parishioners following hospitalizations, our Parish Nurse also arranges Blood Drives and is available for questions on various health matters. So stop by the Parish Nurse Station table on any 1st or 3rd Sunday and have your blood pressure checked...or just sit for a spell and chat.
For more information please contact the Pastoral Care Department at (214) 363-5471
or e-mail us at: mdohm@saintmichael.org