Faith community nursing is a specialized practice of professional nursing that integrates faith and health, bridging the disciplines of nursing and ministry. More than 25 years ago, Lee Health established the Faith Community Nurse Program (formerly known as the Parish Nurse Program) to give nurses the opportunity to care for their neighbors beyond the walls of the hospital or doctor’s office and beyond physical health alone.
Today, 31 faith community nurses serve 21 local churches, functioning as counselors, educators, advocates, resource agents, volunteer coordinators and support group developers. They focus on the whole person—mind, body and spirit—incorporating values, beliefs and practices into care plans. Through personal connection and shared spiritual or religious faith, our nurses make a profound difference in the lives of those they serve.
Although faith community nurses do not provide hands-on care, they build meaningful relationships, helping connect church members to the services, programs and resources they need to improve health and quality of life. Their efforts reduce hospital re-admissions, lower healthcare costs and improve patient safety and outcomes…