HealthEast's Faith Community Nurse Network is a blending of nursing and ministry roles whose goal is intentional care of the spirit and holistic care of a person.

Beginning as the Parish Nurse Network in 1998, we have a history of striving to meet the unique needs of churches by linking spirituality with whole person health care.

In 2008, we became the HealthEast Faith Community Nurse Network to reflect our work with the broader community.

While we have now expanded our work to include more community programs, our faith community nurses continue to stress health promotion, wellness and disease prevention.

Our faith community nurses work in one of three areas.

• Community programs
• Churches (parish nurses)
• Senior Care (pastoral nurses)

See a map of our locations and a listing of our faith community nurses

No matter where our faith community nurses work, their dedication touches many lives.

The Faith Community Nurse’s Role

Faith community nurses are experienced registered nurses (RNs) with added education in faith community nursing. They empower others to take responsibility for their own health by providing support to individuals and families — through all stages of life.

Faith community nurses do not perform invasive procedures such as blood drawing, medical treatments or direct, hands-on care. They do work with home care, public health, and other professionals to ensure those needing hands-on care receive an appropriate referral.

Faith community nurses promote wellness through seven roles:

Health Educator
Faith community nurses offer classes and support groups on a variety of health-related topics.

Personal Health Counselor
Faith community nurses meet with individuals and families — at church, home, hospitals or other facilities — to discuss health concerns.

Referral Agent and Liaison
Faith community nurses provide referrals to both congregational and community resources.

Volunteer Facilitator
Faith community nurses coordinate volunteers and other resources within the congregation to serve in various health ministries.

Health Advocate
Faith community nurses listen to and support individuals and families who need health care resources. When necessary, faith community nurses connect people with appropriate services and serve as their voice when they need help.

Support Group Developer
Faith community nurses develop support groups for the congregation and the local community when needed. The congregational needs assessment helps determine if support groups are needed.

Faith/health relationship integrator
Faith community nurses help individuals understand how body, mind and spirit are closely related.

Learn more

For more information about the HealthEast Faith Community Nurse Program, view our brochure or contact the Faith Community Nurse Coordinator at 651-232-5521 or landerson@healtheast.org.