Parish Nurse

A Parish Nurse (Faith Community Nurse) is a licensed registered nurse who has had at least two years of nursing experience and has completed a parish nurse foundations course. This nursing specialty addresses health issues with the faith of the client and the client’s family in mind. There is an intentional care of the spirit of those to whom the parish nurse gives assistance. Parish nurses act as health advisors and educators, as advocates and resource persons, and as integrators of the faith/health relationship. They help empower others to take responsibility for their own health. This ministry is not a substitute for pastoral care, medical care, community health nursing, and social agencies, but rather works in a partnership with these services. The focus of this ministry is on promoting (w)holistic Christian health rather than “hands on” physical care.

The Care Ministry Team at NUMC is made up of a pastor, a parish nurse, and three trained volunteers. They meet bi-weekly with the Pastor to identify individuals and families who have physical, emotional, or spiritual needs. Prayers and presence are offered during times of crisis or celebration. Depending on circumstances and the degree of involvement of family and friends, visits may be made, or meals or prayer shawls delivered.

Pastors, parish nurses, and care ministry team members cannot visit folks in hospitals and care centers if their presence at a particular facility is not known. We rely on an individual or his or her family member to inform us of a hospitalization or a move to assisted living or a care center. If you have information to share about yourself or a loved one or would care to have a visit by a pastor or a care team member, please call the church office at 507-645-5689 and leave a message for Pastor Rachel or Parish Nurse Ruth Kruse.