Parish Nursing
Supporting the health of WELS congregations and their communities through Christ-centered care of the body, mind, and soul.
What is a parish nurse?
A parish nurse is a currently licensed Registered Nurse (RN) who promotes physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual wellness in the congregation, serving under the direction of the pastor and in line with the congregation’s mission.
Key roles:
- Serves closely with the pastor and leadership
- Focuses on spiritual care within a health context
- Connects members with appropriate community and medical resources.
- Four main roles: health promotion, wellness support, volunteer coordination, and community liaison
Connect with us
You are not alone! Many WELS congregations already have parish nurse ministries. Other parish nurses are happy to share encouragement and discuss challenges.
How to connect:
- Email WELS Parish Nurse at [email protected]
- Ask to be connected with a parish nurse mentor.
God’s blessings as you use your nursing skills to benefit the family of believers!
How to start a parish nurse program
Step 1: Talk with Your Pastor
- Discuss why a parish nurse program would benefit your congregation.
- Talk about how it fits under your church mission statement.
- Clarify how it will be structured and supervised in the congregation.
- Resource: “A Word to Pastors about Parish Nursing.”
Step 2: Review WELS Parish Nursing Guidelines
- Read the “Updated Parish Nursing Guidelines Booklet.” (Uploaded into Google Drive)
- Define the role, understand the four roles, and work through the checklist. Suggested additional step: write a mission statement.
Step 3: Clarify Insurance and Liability
- Consider personal professional liability insurance. Some options used are: Nurses Service Organization https://www.nso.com/ and CM&F Group https://www.cmfgroup.com/
- Check your church’s current insurance coverage.
- Aim for a policy that covers the parish nurse program (often a modest annual cost) and ministry in multiple locations.
- Clarify transportation expectations and coverage. (It’s helpful to set a policy of the types of rides provided ex. distance and nature, as well as define any mileage reimbursement.) Any parish nurses driving should carry personal liability auto insurance. This policy information should be shared with the church/school.
Step 4: Set Up Documentation and Forms
- Use standard forms to track spiritual and physical needs.
- Support clear communication with the pastor and care teams.
- Make sure documentation aligns with your scope of practice.
Step 5: Start Small
- Begin with one focused group (shut-ins, older adults with chronic conditions, new mothers, or caregivers).
- Expand as needs become clear.
Step 6: Installation and Ongoing Support
- Optional: Plan a formal installation in a worship service using the “Rite of Installation – Parish Nurse.”
- Stay connected with WELS Parish Nurses and Special Ministries.
- Consider the ANA Faith Community Nursing Standards book and courses from Wisconsin Lutheran College.
Forms and policies
Forms and documentation
- Reminder: If forms contain client health information, store them securely and share only with those who have permission (HIPAA).
- Parish Nurse Client Assessment – Demographics, health history, spiritual assessment.
- Parish Nurse Care Plan Record – Interventions and progress/decline for those at risk of spiritual distress.
- Parish Nurse Notes – Narrative notes and reminders for next visits.
- Parish Nurse Activity Log – Time, locations, mileage, communication methods.
Policies and guidelines
- Sample Blood Borne Pathogen Policy – This sample is for Wisconsin. Practices may vary from state to state. Please check your state’s Education Department.
Teaching and growth resources
Free WELS resources:
- Health Education Class Ideas – Topics and class ideas for congregations.
- Recommended Parish Nurse Reading – Christian and professional books helpful for parish nurses.
Education:
- Required Nursing Education: The practice of parish nursing is, by law, the responsibility of the registered nurse. The nurse involved in the practice must hold a current and active license in the state of practice. Although the American Nurses’ Association suggests that a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) be the minimal entry level into registered nursing, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or diploma-trained nurse are acceptable. The nurse is responsible for continuing nursing education through seminars and conferences.
- Suggested Education: A registered nurse considering a Parish Nursing ministry is recommended to enroll in a Parish Nurse course or workshop. Such a course helps strengthen the nurse in the “parish” part of parish nursing. This training also helps a nurse recognize the difference between a “nurse in the parish” and a “Parish Nurse. “Some Christian Colleges or Universities may offer programs. One such course is Faith Community Nursing offered online by Concordia University Wisconsin. A certificate in Faith Community Nursing is earned after completing the online course which consists of 8 units which integrates a Christian caregiving framework to develop a holistic congregational health and Parish Nurse ministry. Two sections are offered annually, the first starts every January 1st and the second starts every July 15th. For more information, contact Dr. Carol Lueders Bolwerk, RN at [email protected]. Dr. Lueders-Bolwerk has been championing and teaching Parish Nursing since 1989.
- Although special training is beneficial for the parish nurse, there are no current requirements nor certifications for WELS Parish Nurses.
- Spiritual Training: The parish nurse must be a member in good standing of a WELS congregation or a congregation that is in fellowship with the WELS. The nurse should attend church services regularly and nurture his/her own spiritual growth through Bible classes and personal Bible study. Parish Nursing is also a partnership with the parish pastor. Just as he may refer a parishioner with wellness questions to the Parish Nurse, the Parish Nurse should also make use of his field of expertise, including making referrals to him with the parishioner’s permission.
- WELS has established a curriculum for congregational ministry leaders called the Congregational Assistant Program (CAP). The courses in this program serve well for spiritual training of parish nurses. For more information about the CAP, refer to the Key Contact References at the back of this booklet for the MLC Director of Staff Ministry
- Faith Community Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice (ANA book) https://www.amazon.com/Faith-Community-Nursing-Standards-Practice/dp/1963052277
SPECIAL MINISTRIES
Special Ministries offers spiritual and practical guidance and training to congregations and individuals as they share God’s love to those with special needs or in special circumstances.
SUPPORT THESE MINISTRIES
WELS Special Ministries provides resources for individuals and familes nationwide. Consider supporting these ministries with your prayers and gifts.