What is a Parish Nurse or Faith Community Nurse?
A Parish Nurse is a Registered Nurse who understands that health is a dynamic process—one that involves the spiritual, psychological, social, as well as physical dimensions of a person. He or she will walk with you through life’s transitions and support you in your healing.
The role of Parish Nurse is to promote health care but not to routinely provide it. A Parish Nurse is not a home health nurse but, rather, a counselor and advocate who can help you access the resources you need to address your health concerns.
The Parish Nurse is a:
- Health educator
- Personal health counselor
- Source of referral to church and community services
- An advocate
- Facilitator
- Volunteer coordinator
- Friend
What are the Roles of a Parish Nurse?
- Counseling—your Parish Nurse will listen to your concerns, talk and pray with you, and offer you a shoulder to lean on.
- Pastoral/Spiritual Care—your Parish Nurse will be sensitive to your individual spiritual needs, and will help integrate spiritual, physical, and emotional concerns.
- Education—Your Parish Nurse will provide helpful information about health/wellness issues, from coping with cancer or depression to treating high blood pressure to caring for a newborn.
- Resource and Referral—Your Parish Nurse will help you access the healthcare resources available in your community and better understand your care and treatment options.
- Advocacy—Your Parish Nurse will be a strong voice in supporting your healthcare rights and concerns.
- Volunteerism—Your Parish Nurse will invite others to join in her ministry as volunteers so that more people can receive the help and support they need for good health.
HEALTH MINISTRIES/SERVICES AT SUMC
Parish Health Ministry Team
- Kari Jecklin, Chair (KSandjecklin@hsc.wvu.edu); Sandy Cobun-Greene, Staff (Sandycg1@yahoo.com)
- The team works with the Parish Nurse establishing opportunities for members of the congregation to gain health information and promote wellness by incorporating body, mind, and spirit.
Visitation Ministry Team
- Leadership: Nancy Nunley (nancywvu@frontier.com), Courtney Ricks (CourtneyRDH12@yahoo.com), and Judy Williams (williamsjudy006@gmail.com); Staff: Sandy Cobun-Greene (Sandycg1@yahoo.com)
- The Visitation Ministry is a way to touch the lives of people in a very real way: by bringing the love of Christ to those we visit. If you are interested in learning more please contact a team member.
Blood Pressure Screenings
- Each Sunday from 8:30 am-1:00 pm in the Parish Health Nurse’s office
- Monday morning during Active for Life Exercise Class
- In homes and by appointment
Visitation by the Parish Nurse
- Nursing homes
- Hospitals
- Homes
Red Cross Blood Drives
- For information visit www.redcrossblood.org or www.facebook.com/redcrossblood or contact the Parish Nurse.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Depression/Anxiety Support Group
- The support group meets the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 7:00-8:00 pm on the 3rd floor. Facilitators of the support group are Jane Spraggins, LPC, LCSW and John Spraggins, LCSW. They have over 35 years of counseling experience. This is an education/support group, not counseling. For more information call 304-241-4266.
Hope ~ Share
- Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group will meet on the 2nd and 4th Mondays each month at 6:00 pm on the 3rd floor. If you have any questions regarding this new support group, please contact Sandy Cobun-Greene, Parish Nurse. Facilitated by Pam Casto (mbcmatters@outlook.com or 304-619-9775) a surviving metastatic breast cancer patient.
Please feel free to contact our Parish Nurse,
Sandy Cobun-Greene, RN
Office: 304/599-6306
Cell: 304/906-9107