Parish Nurse
WHAT IS THE PARISH NURSE PROGRAM?
The Parish Nurse Program is a healthcare ministry designed to identify and address the health needs of the congregation through education, counseling, and advocacy. Through the integration of health and faith, this ministry strengthens the church community by focusing on each individual's physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being.
A parish nurse is a registered nurse with a current licence to practice, who has three to five years of previous experience as a registered nurse, is a member of a faith community, is committed to ongoing personal spiritual development, is able to use nursing process and communication skills to promote whole person wellness, and has completed the Parish Nurse Preparation Course endorsed by the International Parish Nurse Resource Center.
Martine Blogin, RN, MPH, is the Parish Nurse at First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor.
ROLES OF THE PARISH NURSE
Pastoral Staff Member:
- Serves as a collaborative member working to address body, mind, and spirit concerns by making available parish resources, and pairing volunteers with those in need.
Spiritual Caregiver:
- Assists individuals and families in integrating faith and health in their everyday lives.
Health Counselor/Resource/Advocate:
- Listens to, supports, and gives direction to parishioners during times of need.
- Makes home, hospital, and retirement center/nursing home visits.
- Provides personal conferences to discuss health care needs.
- Advocates for and assists individuals and families in accessing health care information.
- Makes referrals to local community agencies.
- Offers blood pressure checks and monitoring on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month, 10:30 a.m. in her office, 3rd floor.
Facilitator of Congregational Care Programs:
- Promotes the health of the congregation by implementing periodic blood pressure screening, a Fall flu and pneumonia immunization clinic, and an annual CPR/AED training for the staff.
- Facilitates a caregiver support group which meets the second Monday evening of every month.
- Coordinates the volunteer group, "Helping Hands."
Health Educator:
- Heightens awareness of healthy lifestyle choices thorugh adult education programs and monthly articles in First Press, the church newsletter.
For more information about the Parish Nurse Progam, contact Martine Blogin, RN, MPH, at mblogin@firstpresbyterian.org or 734-662-4466, ext. 350
FIRST PRES IS CURRENTLY SEEKING A PARISH NURSE
With compassion, professionalism, wisdom, and love Martine Blogin has given our congregation many generous gifts in her four years of service as our Parish Nurse. She has resigned her position and will be leaving us at the end of January to pursue other nursing positions, and we will miss her greatly!
In anticipation of her departure, and to minimize any gaps in this critical position, the Parish Nurse Search Committee has already been initiated and has started the process to seek her replacement.
If you know a nurse that may be interested in this part-time position, please email the Search Committee at parishnursesearch@
Interested? Please visit the Job Opportunities page for a complete job description and application details. Applications should be submitted by January 15, 2012.