Faith Community Nurse Network

• Personal Stories
• Facts About the Network
• Becoming a Faith Community Nurse
• Partnership Process
• For More Information

Partnership Process

The HealthEast Faith Community Nurse Network seeks parish partnerships with East Metro churches/faith communities/
community programs that meet the following criteria:

• The organization demonstrates a tradition of commitment and outreach to the local community.
  
  
• Designated staff are responsible for a growing and dynamic community outreach.
  
  
• There is a budgeted allocation for community outreach.
  
  
• The staff and membership support the nurse in community outreach efforts.
  
  
• The staff demonstrate a growing understanding of and support for the faith community nurse ministry.
  
  
• The organizational structure provides for clear channels of communication for reporting and accountability.
  
  
• The faith community nurse reports to the senior pastor or program manager on a mutually agreed upon regular basis.
  
  
• The faith community nurse is seen as a full partner of the team and regularly attends staff meetings.
  
  
• The faith community nurse ministry is seen as an integral part of the organization's ministry, not as an extension.
  
  
• The organization can partner financially with HealthEast to fund the nurse position as outlined in the partnership agreement.
  
  
• The organization agrees to enter the partnership with the goal of working the nurse position fully into its budget by the time that the formal partnership ends (three years).
  
  
• The organization agrees to a reasonable budget for program expenses.
  
  
• The organization agrees to pay annual salary increases for a nurse who meets or exceeds job expectations. This will mutually agreed upon in advance.
  
  
• The organization agrees to pay for part of the continuing education of the faith community nurse preparation course, annual symposium or CPE.

Funding for partnerships

HealthEast offers funding to selected faith communities and community partners to help them establish a paid parish nurse position. Under a three-year agreement, HealthEast may provide funding for:

• 75% of salary the first year
• 50% of salary the second year
• 25% of salary the third year

The organization assumes the remainder of the costs and full financial responsibility for the position after three years. During and after the funding agreement, the faith community nurse is a member of the HealthEast Faith Community Nurse Network, with access to its support and educational resources.

Outside grant sources and other funding models may be considered.

Contact the Faith Community Nurse Network manager at 651-232-5521 for more information.