I became involved with NWPNM as an instructor of the beginning parish nurse courses. I have also attended national conference once. This organization empowers nurses to provide faith based nursing care to their faith communities. The recipients of this care are assured that the care is supported by their faith beliefs. The nurses can also provide explanations of the care needed and offer spiritual support. Training of volunteers from the faith community is also part of a parish nurse's role. These volunteers are able to reach out to those who may be lonely or have other needs. Nurses provide health promotion information such as how to manage administration of multiple medications, management of stress, and blood pressure control. They may also do helmet fittings, provide information about immunizations, and promote exercise through walking groups.
Upon completion of a lifetime goal toward becoming a nurse I was introduced to faith community nursing and welcomed into my faith community to serve as called. Being connected with NPNM brings affiliation with other rural FCNs, training, ideas, resources and accountability to the field of nursing.
Since congregations represent a community, they can be a vital resource for supporting a healthy lifestyle. NWPNHM offers support and educational opportunities to parish/faith community nurses. This in turn is carried out to the various congregations. We are still in the process of analyzing data that demonstrates positive outcomess of this work.
The training I received from Carol Story and her group was excellent. More frequent local support classes would be very welcome to me. I learn from shared edxperiences and they can save much work by there experience.
When I was nine years old, I made the two most important decisions of my life. I accepted Christ as my savior and decided to be a nurse. Fifty years later, NWPNM gave me the skills to combine these passions in a formal way that increased my value in each field. As a certification acknowledged by the American Nurses Association, I gained respect in my field. As a Christian and as a nurse, I have learned new ways to aide people in difficult times in their lives. I have been challenged academically and personally to be a leader, and with their training, a more effective person. I always know I can find a colleague there with experience to guide me as I serve.
I have been with Northwest Parish Nurse Ministries for more than 15 years. I have received wonderful support and excellant continuing education along with much needed retreats that would uplift me so I could continue my ministry at our church. It would be dangerous and difficult to continue without their support. Thank you, Pam
I am a member of NPNM and work as a Parish Nurse in a large congregation. NPNM has helped me so much with training, excellent retreats and conferences which are affordable. The staff is wonderful and compassionate. I ALWAYS learn something from them.
I took the NPNM Parish Nurse class 4 years ago. The class was awesome! The speakers had great knowledge and expertise. NPNM provided many resources, teaching guides, and contacts.
NPNM provided parish nurse training in my home area, the Monterey Peninsula, CA. This enabled another nurse and me to set up a ministry 3 years ago, which has benefited the health and wellbeing of our congregation. We are strong advocates for our people's healthcare and help those who are home care providers for family members. This ministry reaches out into the broader community, as well. I'm honored to be part of such a valuable service. Our local Faith Community Nurses Assn. is now qualified to teach the Basic Parish Nurse curriculum, so we are training and equipping more RNs in this good work!
NPNM is a very experienced and dedicated group of individuals who's goal it is to help Parish Nursing continue to grow through education and example. The executive director Bruce Strade was recently in Missoula Montana and was the keynote speaker at a retreat designed for Parish Nurses and Health Minister's. He was an excellent speaker and a wonderful person.
The NWPNM board is composed of people from many walks of life, this helps to balance the decision-making. Being a nurse, my perspective helps keep the focus at the root-level, the parish nurses that are providing the service. We are a democratic, thoughtful, caring group of people who's goal is the bring hope, strength and health to others.
Northwest parish nurse ministries has provided me with a wealth of updated information that I as a parish nurse in my congregation have been able to use to inform our parishioners with up to date health information. This knowledge has improved some people's ability to change life habits into health habits.