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.

NEW PARISH NURSE

The Parish Nurse Search committee is pleased to announce the selection of Sandy Talbott, RN as the new Parish Nurse, replacing Martine Blogin RN, who ended her service in January.  Sandy started her new position on March 5th.

Sandy brings an abundant blend of nursing skills to the position, having worked as both a registered nurse and nurse practitioner.  She has worked in both hospital and ambulatory care settings, and has experience with managing and counseling patients with chronic health issues, health education programming, and project management.  Most recently she has been Associate Director of Clinical Informatics at Integrated Health Associates of Ann Arbor.  Sandy has had a long tradition as an active First Presbyterian Church member and has worked in both youth and campus ministry programs, and as co-moderator of the deacons.

We are blessed to have found an exceptional person and health care professional to develop the First Pres health ministry.  Please welcome Sandy to her new position. She can be reached at (734) 662-4466, ext. 350, or stalbott@firstpresbyterian.org.

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.

You may contact the new parish nurse, Sandy Talbott, RN, at stalbott@firstpresbyterian.org or 734-662-4466, ext. 350.