What is Health Ministries/Faith Community Nursing?
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The Faith Community Nurse (FCN) attends to the holistic (physical, psychosocial, spiritial) needs of individuals and the congregation. Intentional care of the spirit is what makes this practice different from other nursing care. As appropriate, faith community nursing assesses, teaches, and refers to physicians, clergy, and/or community resources.
A Health Minister combines their knowledge and experience with their willingness to respond to the health needs of the congregation. They may be health professionals and other lay members interested in health promotion.
Why Partner With St. Elizabeth in this Ministry?
St. Elizabeth Medical Center is a faith-based integrated healthcare system. We are committed to our mission or "extend the healing ministry of Jesus by offering quality healthcare and wellness services throughout the continuum of care for all people in the tri-state area, especially those in Northern Kentucky." We are proactive in our efforts to reach out to various communities and play an instrumental role in their well-being through health and wellness education and disease prevention programming.
St. Elizabeth Medical Center extends its ministry outside the walls of its three campuses through its Health Ministries/Faith Community Nursing Outreach. Since 1997, St. Elizabeth has been working to improve the health of those in our community through advocacy, education and wellness activities in congregations across Northern Kentucky.
This free program helps congregations of all denominations throughout Northern Kentucky to see the church as a "healthplace." Building on biblical principles, congregations have the power to transform the health of individuals, families and communities as they continue Christ's healing ministry. From the perspective of the congregation, there is a openness to considering health ministries as a way to revitalize and enhance the ministries of the church.
Goals of Health Ministries/Faith Community Nursing:
Faith Community Nursing Outreach/Health Ministries, with the assistance and support of the congregation, its leaders, and the community, strives to:
- Empower individuals to become more active partners in the management of their personal health.
- Participates in the ongoing transformation of the faith community as a source of health and healing.
- Draw on professional skills that integrate spiritual care and nursing care and the resources of both within and beyond the faith community to provide a holistic response.
- Provide counseling, programs, classes or events that address health promotion, disease prevention and coping with chronic conditions.
The Beginning Steps:
When you partner with St. Elizabeth Medical Center you will be provided with the assistance and ongoing support to develop and maintain your Health Ministries Program. St. Elizabeth Medical Center having been associated locally, regionally and nationally with the Health Ministries Association for over eight years and has the experience, expertise and resources to work with all aspects of this creative ministry. Your Health Ministries Program will be individualized to meet the uniqueness of the culture of your congregation.
Health Ministries/Faith Community Nursing volunteers are signed on as St. Elizabeth Volunteers, and after an orientation is completed, enjoy special benefits:
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