Parish Nurse

What is Parish Nursing?

Parish nursing is an important part of health ministry in a faith community. It is a response to the healing ministry of Jesus as one witnesses His care and compassion to all that he encountered by caring for their bodies, their minds and their spirits. Health ministry understands that all life is sacred and that we have an obligation to care for our bodies and for each other. A parish nurse ministry seeks to nourish, sustain and support the health and wellness in a wholistic manner ( physical, emotional and spiritual) of the people of the congregation and its community. Spiritual care becomes the primary focus of the parish nurse ministry.

Our Parish Nurse

Barb Sutherland is the parish nurse at Lambeth United Church. She is a registered nurse with specialized training and obtained her certificate in parish nurse ministry from Foundations in Parish Nursing at St Peter’s Seminary. She brings to this ministry her knowledge, nursing skills and experience and helps the community focus on the essential relationship between one’s faith and health and wellness.

What does a Parish Nurse do?

Parish nurses do not provide hands on care but rather provide the following to help maintain our congregations health and well-being

 *Health education and promotion for those of all ages, assists when navigating the health care system, helps advocate for those in need of health and community resources, walks alongside those individuals and families who may be experiencing a health challenge, a health crisis or living with a chronic health condition, and accompanies those that are transitioning to palliative care and end of life care

 *Providing support to family and especially caregivers during these life transitions. Bereavement ministry is ministering to the grieving parishioners and their families through various means of support and compassion at the time of the loved one’s death, helping families plan the funeral as well as following up with them in their journey as grief and bereavement is an ongoing process.

 *Providing education through monthly bulletin announcements and bulletin board information. Provides speaker sessions to highlight topics several times a year. Performs monthly blood pressure checks