Parish
Nurses practice within a congregation. They go in Jesus' name as a
visible means of expressing God's love within the church congregation
and community. Parish Nursing is recognized by the Virginia
League of Nurses and the American Nurses Association. Parish
Nursing is biblically-based; Jesus traveled throughout Galilee,
teaching in the synagogues, preaching good news of the kingdom, and
healing every disease and sickness among the people. (Matthew 4:23
NIV) He sent his followers out to preach the kingdom of God and
to heal the sick. (Luke 9:2 NIV)The
parish nurse's roles include:
Integrator
of Faith and Health
Personal
Health Counselor
Health
Educator
Referral
Agent
Health
Advocate
Coordinator
of Volunteers
Developer
of Support Groups
The Virginia Parish Nurse Education Program uses the skills and expertise of nurses within a congregation to enhance the wholeness of the church family from a physical, spiritual, and emotional perspective. Trained parish nurses throughout Virginia are available to assist any church in coordinating such a ministry. A Combination Retreat and Distance Learning Format Parish Nurse Education Program is offered each year. This course awards 55 contact hours from the Virginia Nurses Association and a certificate from the International Parish Nurse Resource Center.
Endorsed by Women's Missionary Union of Virginia, and The Jefferson College of Health Sciences, Roanoke, Virginia, VPNEP provides registered nurses knowledge to implement and facilitate a parish nurse ministry. VPNEP is a Christian Parish Nurse Education program that is open to all denominations. It offers registered nurses with a strong spiritual faith the knowledge to implement and facilitate a parish nurse ministry. Continual access to expert Parish Nurse Consultants and Networking is provided during and after completion of the program.
Significance of the Logo:
The circle symbolizes well-being, wholeness, the eternal God. The Cross, the symbol of healing, is made from the tau, the first letter of the Greek word for God. It calls to mind God's great love in the gift of Jesus Christ. If shown in color, the cross is red, signifying the blood of Christ. The olive branches, in green, are symbols of shalom, peace and wholeness, as well as new life. They also remind us of olive oil, the primary medicine of Biblical times. The symbols rest on a white background, symbolizing the purity of Christ.
Anyone wishing to contact the Parish Nurse should call the Church (434-946-5498) and leave a message.
August 24, 2004