Parish Nursing
“Parish nursing is the intentional integration of the practice of nursing with the beliefs of a religious community."- www.allnursingschools.com
Bethlehem Lutheran Church employs two parish nurses-Diane Waarvik and Gretchen Porter- who work to promote healthy living both physically and spiritually. According to the American Nursing Association parish nurses are registered nurses (RN) connected with a faith community whose responsibilities include the following:
- Health education and teaching
- Personal health counseling for faith community members
- Coordinating with community health resources and acting as a church liaison
- Training and coordinating volunteers in support services
- Organizing health support groups
- Assessing congregational and community health needs
- Responding to health-related issues such as substance abuse, addictions and violence within congregational families or the surrounding community
In addition, our Parish nurses are available for
- blood pressure monitoring
- one on one visits either at the church or individual's home
To contact a parish nurse please call 612.312.3405 or email at dwaarvik@bethlehem-church.org or gporter@bethlehem-church.org.
