Debbie Westerfield BSN,RN,CAPA
Parish Nurse parishnurse@ faith-presbyterian.com 402-319-9536 call/text |
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What is a Parish Nurse?
Faith Community Nursing (or Parish Nursing, Congregational Nursing) is the intentional integration of the practice of faith with the practice of nursing so people can achieve wholeness in, with and through the faith community. Faith Community Nurses are health advocates. They educate and motivate people to take positive action regarding wellness, prevention, and appropriate treatment of illness. They integrate social and spiritual connections with God, one another, and community.
Faith Community Nursing is recognized as a specialty practice by the American Nurses Association. Faith Community Nurses are spiritually mature registered nurses who volunteer or are hired within a congregation. Their work, flowing from the mission and vision of the congregation, supports the ongoing transformation of the faith community into a source of health and healing. Faith Community Nurses strive to promote healthy lifestyles for all ages, advocate for excellent care of the sick, and encourage healthcare justice. They recognize spiritual health is at the core of a person’s well-being and offer a sense of hope for individuals with a disease, being aware that healing can happen without cure.
What is the Scope of Practice for a Faith Community Nurse? Rather than practicing from a medical model, a Faith Community Nurse’s unique expertise concentrates on intentional care of the spirit. She/he can offer:
Source:
http://www.chihealth.com/what-is-faith-community-nursing
Faith Community Nursing is recognized as a specialty practice by the American Nurses Association. Faith Community Nurses are spiritually mature registered nurses who volunteer or are hired within a congregation. Their work, flowing from the mission and vision of the congregation, supports the ongoing transformation of the faith community into a source of health and healing. Faith Community Nurses strive to promote healthy lifestyles for all ages, advocate for excellent care of the sick, and encourage healthcare justice. They recognize spiritual health is at the core of a person’s well-being and offer a sense of hope for individuals with a disease, being aware that healing can happen without cure.
What is the Scope of Practice for a Faith Community Nurse? Rather than practicing from a medical model, a Faith Community Nurse’s unique expertise concentrates on intentional care of the spirit. She/he can offer:
- Integration of faith and health
- Health promotion and education
- Health counseling
- Referrals
- Volunteer coordination
- Support group development
- Advocacy for individuals and the congregation/community Criteria for Network Membership for FCN:
- Spiritually mature leader
Source:
http://www.chihealth.com/what-is-faith-community-nursing
A little bit about me.....
Hi! My name is Debbie Westerfield. I am your Parish Nurse.(Faith Community Nurse). I have been a practicing Registered Nurse for 29 years. I am currently employed at Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital a few days a week. I have my Bachelor's degree in Nursing and I am certified in Ambulatory PeriAnesthesia Care. I love what I do.
I was asked when I joined the church, if I would consider becoming the Parish Nurse. My first thought was, what is a Parish Nurse? What do they do? How do churches benefit from them and was I the person for the task at hand? After praying FIRST, which is what our Foundation model says to always do first.... I kicked into high gear, my "GO" mode as I call it, doing my research, gathering all the information I could in order to make the right decision. I made phone calls and met with all the right people, read information on line and books given to me. I completed the Faith Community Nursing Foundation course which is required for me to hold the position as a RN. Now, I had all I needed to decide for myself, is this what I am supposed to do?
I then realized I didn't need to make a decision at all, that it was already made for me, by Him. So, all I had to do was follow His lead. With your support, we will build the wonderful Health Ministry this church has known before. This will be a work in progress for a while. I ask for your prayers, patience and understanding as He shows me the way to help our congregation Live, Love and Grow-- Mind, Body and Spirit to reach optimal Physical and Spiritual health.
About my family......
I am married to Phil and have 2 children, Maddie 25 and John 23, 2 Labrador retreivers, Lucy and Tater and our bird Tucson. We have lived here in La Vista since 2006. My husband is retired from the Air Force after 26.5 years of service. He continues his employment with Air Force as a government civilian working to complete the new STRATCOM building you see at Offutt AFB. We enjoy spending time with family and friends, riding Harleys, playing with our dogs, and traveling.
Blessings,
debbie
I was asked when I joined the church, if I would consider becoming the Parish Nurse. My first thought was, what is a Parish Nurse? What do they do? How do churches benefit from them and was I the person for the task at hand? After praying FIRST, which is what our Foundation model says to always do first.... I kicked into high gear, my "GO" mode as I call it, doing my research, gathering all the information I could in order to make the right decision. I made phone calls and met with all the right people, read information on line and books given to me. I completed the Faith Community Nursing Foundation course which is required for me to hold the position as a RN. Now, I had all I needed to decide for myself, is this what I am supposed to do?
I then realized I didn't need to make a decision at all, that it was already made for me, by Him. So, all I had to do was follow His lead. With your support, we will build the wonderful Health Ministry this church has known before. This will be a work in progress for a while. I ask for your prayers, patience and understanding as He shows me the way to help our congregation Live, Love and Grow-- Mind, Body and Spirit to reach optimal Physical and Spiritual health.
About my family......
I am married to Phil and have 2 children, Maddie 25 and John 23, 2 Labrador retreivers, Lucy and Tater and our bird Tucson. We have lived here in La Vista since 2006. My husband is retired from the Air Force after 26.5 years of service. He continues his employment with Air Force as a government civilian working to complete the new STRATCOM building you see at Offutt AFB. We enjoy spending time with family and friends, riding Harleys, playing with our dogs, and traveling.
Blessings,
debbie