Foundations of Faith Community Nursing
Parish or Congregational Nursing is a growing specialty practice of nursing, recognized by the American Nursing Association as Faith Community Nursing. FCN is open to all faith traditions and led by a licensed Registered Nurse. Training during this course will focus on the intentional care of the spirit, promotion of an integrative model of health and prevention and minimization of illness within the context of a faith community. Hoag Health Ministries will be offering a five day class, to current Registered Nurses, new to the specialty. 36 CEUs will be offered upon successful completion of all course material.
Course Description
Foundations of Faith Community Nursing- This course focuses on applying the nursing process in a leadership role of health ministry in a community of faith. This course examines the four major concepts of Faith Community Nursing: spirituality, professionalism, ‘holistic’ health, and community and cultural diversity. Students will identify the key components of the “intentional care of the spirit as part of the process of promoting holistic health and preventing or minimizing illness in a faith community” as defined by the ANA. This course affords the student the opportunity to identify ways to facilitate the whole-person health of a congregation, which helps reclaim the healing ministry of the faith tradition. This course is open to RNs of all faith traditions. This is a time of learning, worship, personal reflection, spiritual growth and communal fellowship with other professional registered nurses. This course prepares nurses to establish and grow a health ministry within their faith community.
Program Requirements
- Registered nurse with a current unencumbered license to practice in the state(s) in which one will practice in the role. Preferred 3 – 5 years experience as a practicing RN.
- Commitment to the holistic concept of health care, including the spiritual dimension of health and healing
- Good communication skills
- Active involvement in a local faith community; open to all faith traditions
- A letter of reference from a professional colleague or clergy person
- Commitment to completion of the entire foundations preparation course
Course Components
- Spirituality – History and Philosophy; Health, Healing and Wholeness; Spiritual Care; Prayer; Self-Care
- Professionalism – Ethical Issues; Documenting Practice; Legal Aspects; Beginning Your Ministry; Communication and Collaboration
- Holistic Health – Health Promotion; Behavioral Health; Transforming Life Issues: Family Violence, Loss, Suffering and Grief
- Community Health – Assessment, Accessing Resources, Advocacy, Care Coordination