By Gretchen Ficken, RN (St. Paul, West Allis)
Reprinted with permission by Nursingmatters

A parish nurse is not just a nurse in a parish (congregation, synagogue, etc.), but a nurse who shows a concern for each member in a variety of ways. The parish nurse is a health educator, a resource to community services, a coordinator of volunteers, a health counselor, and a spiritual support sharing the Lord’s Word and praying with members. The Mission Statement at St. Paul’s states: “St. Paul’s Health Ministry exists as an outreach of Word and Sacrament encouraging health and wellness of mind, body, and spirit to all of God’s people.”

Many passages in the Bible speak to us about carrying for others: “Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). One of my methods of health education is in the form of an article in our church’s monthly newsletter addressing health issues. My choice of topic may come from national health awareness for the month or from illnesses or surgeries experienced by members.

As a health counselor, I am always available to answer questions that members ask about specific situations they are experiencing. Functioning in a large community, I find that hospital discharge planners do a wonderful job of referral to community resources. However, there are also situations where families need assistance with nursing home features, home care resources, etc. for family members not hospitalized.

One of my more exciting functions is in coordinating volunteer services among members. During this school year the pastors and I have developed “The Cleopas Walk” for eighth graders as part of their religion classes. As Cleopas walked on the road to Emmaus with Jesus after His resurrection, we have asked each eighth-grader to “walk” with a senior member of the congregation. They are to visit their assigned member three times this school year, to have the member share their life story, and to share their own life story.

Aly Urbanski, student, does her Cleopas Walk with Louvenia Potzner.

The first visit has been completed and each student gave a brief oral report, and wrote a brief written report. The students and the seniors are delighted with these visits! Some of the student comments included: a.) they used kerosene lamps! b.) one of her ancestors most likely witnessed the nailing of the 95 theses by Martin Luther in Germany, c.) her father was one of the first pastors of our church, d.) he fought in WWII and its amazing how he survived! e.) married 55 years!). Each senior member that was visited has told me how wonderful to become acquainted with an eighth grader!

Many other volunteer services are accomplished by other nurses who have volunteered to assist in areas of meals for people in need (they schedule the donors, etc.); to make bereavement visits during the year after the death of a loved one, to take B/Ps once a month, and to assist in calling donors for our quarterly blood drives.

I feel truly blessed to be a parish nurse in my own congregation! Jesus lived the perfect life, suffered, died, and rose victorious to give life and forgiveness to the soul, and well-being to mind, body, and spirit. The saving mission of Jesus was to the whole person. As I reach out to help people, the Lord is always with me to give me strength and wisdom to share Him as I share the many other helps with which He has blessed us.

“I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God, my Savior” (Habakkuk 3:18).