A compassionate response to the changing healthcare needs of our community.

A healthy balance of our body, mind and spirit.

Health Ministry Functions - Through individual and team approaches, nurses in the congregation assess individual/congregational health concerns and serve in the following capacities:

• Health Counselor. Discusses individual health needs such as treatments available, prevention and wellness, and provides reassurance during times of concern or crises.

• Educator. Promotes the relationship between faith, health, attitudes, and lifestyle choices through various programs and literature.

• Advocate. Identifies the medically under-insured vulnerable or isolated members of the congregation and provides support in decision making regarding healthcare issues.

• Liaison. Connects members of the congregation to each other in response to congregation-specific needs and to appropriate community services and agencies.

• Trainer. Recruits and supervises volunteers in health ministries and provides information and education to assist them in their role.

• Healer. Facilitate an approach to healing of body, mind and spirit through a variety of ways including prayer, visitation in home/long-term care facility/hospital, and a listening presence.

Parish Nursing is a visible symbol of the healing ministry within the congregation.

Ministry Focus - The PeaceHealth Inter-Religious Parish Nurse Ministry is a health ministry extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ into the community.

Our goal is to respond to health, wellness, and wholeness, through the establishment of health ministries and parish nurse partnerships.

A Parish Nurse Coordinator is available to…

• Offer consultation to pastors, parish nurses, and health ministries regarding start-up and continuation of parish health programs.

• Coordinate regular training, educational and support meetings and to assist Parish Nurses and health ministries in their roles.

• Speak to community and church groups regarding spirituality, faith and health and its impact on individuals in the changing healthcare system.

Churches presently participating in the program are:

• Cascade Presbyterian, Vancouver, WA

• Longview Community, Longview, WA

• St. Paul Lutheran, Castle Rock, WA

• St. Rose Catholic, Longview, WA

• St. Stephen’s Episcopal, Longview, WA

For further information contact:

Kathryn Robbins, RN
PeaceHealth Parish Nurse Coordinator
(360) 414-7533 or (360) 423-1530 ext. 7533