What is an ELCA Parish Nurse?
- Parish Nurse is a Registered Nurse, currently license to practice professional nursing and updated through state CEU responsibilities.
- Parish Nurse has completed an endorsed Parish Nurse program.
- Parish Nurse, a recognized specialized practice with the American Nurses Association, works in concert of the Scope and Standard of Practice through the ANA.
- Endorses and promotes the theological definition of the ELCA Parish Nurse.
Why would a church need a Parish Nurse?
A Parish Nurse is unique because it serves all members of the church community. The ministry of health and wellness can be molded to fit the needs of each individual congregation, influenced by the size of the congregation, the ages of the members, the already established ministries in the church, as well as the local community programs.
Does a Parish Nurse get paid or is she volunteer?
Parish Nurses can be either a paid or un-paid staff member of the church. Financial demands on the church often influences if a Parish Nurse is paid or un-paid. Parish Nurses are professionals in their ministry and are respected with their knowledge and expertise. The ELCA PNA does encourage paying Parish Nurses whenever possible.
Pay recommendations for Parish Nurses can be given by calling the ELCA Parish Nurse Association contact person.
What are sources of financial support for start-up of a Parish Nurse program?
It is common for a health care system to assist in a start up of a parish nurse program in the church. When the Parish Nurse ministry first began, the hospital paid 75% of the nurse’s salary and the church paid for 25%. Each year the hospital went down 25%, until the church was paying 100% of the income. A medical system, such as a hospital or nursing home community may be offering this method of assistance in many areas of the United States.
Local sources include:
Grants are another method of starting up a Parish Nurse program in a church community
National grant possibilities include:
Church foundations have often supported start-up costs and salary for Parish Nurses in their congregations.
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