Parish Nurse
What is a Parish Nurse?
A parish nurse, also known as a faith community nurse, is a nurse who cares for members of a religious parish or faith community. They integrate faith and healing to promote wellness within the community they serve.
Faith community nursing is a relatively new specialty of nursing, beginning in the 1980s. According to the Health Ministries Association, the American Nurses Association officially recognized it as a specialty in 1998. The scope and standards of practice for faith community nurses were also first published at that time.
How to Become a Parish Nurse
A parish nurse should have a keen sense of community, the desire to help others, and an unshakeable foundation and knowledge of their spiritual beliefs. As with any nurse, they must demonstrate compassion and patience with the community they serve. Since parish nursing can be emotionally demanding, nurses should be able to adequately handle stress and emotionally draining situations and have a dedicated support system of their own.
What Are the Schooling Requirements for a Parish Nurse?
Those interested in the specialty of parish nursing should first pursue a nursing degree through a two or four-year university. Obtaining an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited nursing school is required. Many organizations prefer BSN-educated nurses, as they complete training in community/public health, which is a large component of parish nursing.
Those interested in parish nursing may wish to complete their nursing degree at a faith-based nursing school. These schools align with particular religions and incorporate faith into their curriculum.
After completing an accredited nursing degree program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam for RN licensure.
Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?
While certifications/credentials are not required for parish nurses, there are a few ways that a parish nurse can gain authority in the field.
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) has offered a registered nurse-board certified (RN-BC) in faith community nursing in the past. However, this certification is now available for renewal only.
The Ministry of Church Health also offers courses in the field of parish nursing. Courses include:
- Foundations of Faith Community Nursing
- Entry-level knowledge of parish nursing
- Prepares nurses for board certification through ANCC
- Faith Community Nursing Coordinator Course
- Prepares nurses for leadership/management positions
- Also focuses on funding, communications, and documentation
- Educator Course
- Prepares nurses to teach the Foundations of Faith Community Nursing Course
What Does a Parish Nurse Do?
Parish nurses work similarly to holistic nurses, incorporating mind, body, and spirit to assist members of their community to heal and maintain overall health. Specifically, parish nurses may:
- Provide preventive health screenings
- Visit members of their parish in homes or hospitals
- Counsel parishioners on medical or health issues
- Volunteer in various community service establishments (shelters, soup kitchens, etc.)
- Provide community resources to parishioners
- Educate patients on preventive health/health maintenance
- Lead support groups
Where Do Parish Nurses Work?
Most parish nurses work in churches, but they can also work in:
- Social services agencies
- Hospitals, sometimes in a chaplain role if they continue their education
- Chapels
- Faith-based organizations
What Are the Roles & Duties of a Parish Nurse?
Parish nurses take a holistic approach to health and wellness, to include spiritual wellness. Roles and duties include:
- Providing spiritual support to patients when faced with difficult health issues
- Serving as a liaison between patients, the community or church, and members of the healthcare team
- Mentoring volunteers and other members of their parish
- Starting up support groups
- Serving as a patient advocate/resource person
- Educating patients on the importance of faith in relation to health and wellness
Parish Nurse Salary & Employment
While there is no published data specifically describing parish nursing, the field of nursing is expected to grow 7% by 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a much faster than average growth, and it is possible that faith community/parish nursing is included.
While there is no published information specifically on parish nurse salaries, the BLS also reports the average salary for registered nurses, in general, is $86,070 annually. This figure may vary depending on city and state of employment, any certifications held, and the organization.
| Average Annual Salary | |
| Lowest Earners | $63,720 |
| Lowest 25% of Earners | $75,990 |
| Median | $86,070 |
| Top 25% or Earners | $104,670 |
| Top Earners | $132,680 |
Helpful Organizations, Societies, & Agencies
- Catholic Health Association of the United States
- American Nurses Association
- Health Ministries Association
- American Holistic Nurses Association
