Job Description
POSITION: Parish Nurse
Supervision: Senior Pastor and Congregation
Council
Position Purpose: The parish nurse of First
Lutheran Church will develop and maintain an organized
congregational health ministry by planning and setting
goals, by establishing and working with a Health Cabinet
made up of congregational members, and by carrying out a
healing ministry which promotes health and wholeness in the
name of Jesus Christ. The parish nurse is a ministry to,
for, and with all the members of First Lutheran Church and,
as opportunities present themselves, for the outreach of
care to the wider community. The parish nurse will provide
no invasive skilled care.
Responsibilities
Health Education
- To assess, diagnose, and evaluate health concerns
and provide information and compassion as needed
- To emphasize preventative health care through
education, screening and assessments, and awareness of
the relationship between lifestyle attitudes, faith,
and well-being
- To seek opportunities to offer seminars and
classes, provide printed resources, and train others
in the ministry of health and wholeness
- To be an advocate for health and healing in all
aspects of the congregation's ministry
- To be a resource for the Stephen Ministry program
and other congregational ministries of care
- To support efforts in worship, written
communication, and educational settings for the
promotion of a holistic perspective of health and
wholeness
- To facilitate the formation of support groups
within the congregation
Personal Health Counseling
- To discuss health problems with those seeking
guidance and information
- To make home, hospital, and nursing home visits as
needed
- To offer presence and prayer during times of
crisis and celebration
- To make referrals as necessary
Coordinate and Teach Volunteers
- To encourage congregational members with health
expertise to offer their gills to health related
issues and concerns
- To assist in supporting congregational members
engaged in caring ministries
- To establish, work with, and support a Health
Cabinet
- To assess congregational health needs, and train
and empower others to engage in meeting identified
needs whenever possible
- To work with the Education Committee, Social
Action Committee and other groups within the
congregation as needed when cooperative efforts
between the parish nurse and other program areas of
the church would enhance health ministry
Coordinate Networking of Resources in the
Congregation and Community
- To work in conjunction with the pastors of the
congregation in the professional care-giving ministry
of the church
- To refer parishioners to various support services
as needed
- To maintain strong contacts with community helping
professions
- To act as a liaison to community resources and
services
Other
- Report quarterly to the Church Council in written
form; once per year in person
- Attend weekly meetings of the church staff
whenever possible
- Communicate regularly with pastors and staff
regarding scheduling, availability, etc.
- Maintain thorough, confidential records
- Work with Health Cabinet to establish a budget
emphasizing the efficient use of resources
- Encouraged to network with other parish
nurses
Working Conditions
Days and hours worked are to be very flexible
and conform to the needs which arise and the programs
established
Office hours will be determined by the parish nurse to
facilitate easy access by parishioners; congregational
secretaries shall be kept informed of such hours
Occasionally subject to irregular hours
Ability to drive and have access to a car; maintains
current driver's license and auto liability insurance
May be exposed to infections and contagious
diseases
Exposed to unpleasant elements (accidents, injuries,
illness, etc.)
Light physical demands of lifting, bending, kneeling,
etc.
Annual performance review will be done with senior
pastor
Annual evaluation of health ministry will be done by
the Health Cabinet
The parish nurse will carry his/her own professional
liability insurance, in addition to the liability
coverage provided by the church. Proof of valid
professional liability insurance and registered nurse
licensure in the state of Wisconsin will be filed with
the church office on an annual basis within the
congregation as needed when cooperative efforts between
the parish nurse and other program areas of the church
would enhance health ministry
Qualifications
- Registered nurse with a baccalaureate degree in
nursing (five years minimum experience)
- Currently licensed as a registered nurse in the state
of Wisconsin
- Must maintain current CPR certification
- Must complete formal continuing education in parish
nursing within six months of employment
- Perform all activities in accordance with the
American Nurses Association Standards of Practice and the
Wisconsin Nurse Practice Act
- Commitment to maintaining knowledge and skill base as
a registered nurse
- Outstanding abilities in teaching individuals and
groups
- Excellent oral and written skills
- Genuine compassion and respect for all persons
- Knowledge of and experience with the complex dynamics
of congregational governance
- Has understanding of and commitment to the church's
vital mission in fostering wellness
- Deep faith in Jesus Christ and commitment to the
healing ministry of the Lord as understood by the
Lutheran Church
- Background in teaching and/or community health
preferred
All responsibilities will not be done with equal
emphasis. The Health Cabinet, senior pastor and parish nurse
will determine responsibility priorities.
This description was developed to enhance the
communication of job and performance expectations and should
not be considered a contractual agreement or an
aft-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills
required. The specifications, responsibilities, and
activities will be reviewed on at least an annual basis for
possible changes, which may be initiated as needed. This
position will be reconsidered on a yearly contract
basis.
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