184 Court Street, 2nd Floor, Binghamton, NY 13901
Phone: 607-321-2633
In order to assist those beginning in this ministry and to
support the health ministry practice, program requirements have
been designed. Those who meet these requirements will receive a
special recognition from the Lourdes Parish Nurse/Health Ministry
office. Your pastors' and/or church leaders will also appreciate
the expertise that you can bring to your ministry.
Our recommendation for receiving recognition from the Lourdes
Parish Nurse/Health Ministry Program includes:
- Attendance of a three-hour orientation session - scheduled
mutually for individuals and/or groups. Call the Parish Ministry
office for site arrangements.
- Attendance to six meetings yearly or equivalent time at one of
our meetings, seminars, or retreats.
In addition, after your initial recognition, you will be
eligible to renew your status:
- Annually, with attendance at six of our monthly meetings
per year
- Bi-annually, with attendance at 10 meetings in two
years
Orientation consists of informing parish nurses and health
ministers of "start up" information, definitions, resources,
guidelines, summaries, recognition requirements, covenants,
development of mission statements and goals, and establishment of a
coordinator and health cabinet. It is designed to provide a basic
foundation for parish nurses and health ministers, and assist them
to begin a program at their congregation.
Recognition tradition has been an annual event as part of our
December Christmas Party. Dedication to whole person health
promotion is recognized as a significant contribution to our
community, and we are truly appreciative.
Lourdes Parish Nurse Ministry Expectations
Each faith community should have a covenant signed by their clergy, keep a copy
in the church office, and return the original to Lourdes Parish
Nurse office. A covenant is a commitment between Lourdes Hospital
and the faith community, to extend health care into the faith
community, to assist with parish nurse and health ministry programs
and maintain active programs. It describes the consultation and
access of Lourdes and the faith community. Quarterly and annual
reports are to be returned to the Lourdes Parish Nurse office. An
annual recognition and retreat/seminar will be provided. Access
will be provided for all necessary documentation and updated
materials.
New parish nurse coordinators will also be expected to complete
a Parish Nurse Volunteer
Application.
Establish a coordinator in each faith community.
Establish a health cabinet /committee of professional and lay
persons in health ministry, to include parish nurses.
Every faith community should provide annual reports to office
for statistical data.
Adhere to the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for
blood pressure screenings.
To meet minimum recognition requirements: (December is the
designated month for recognition and a holiday party.)
- Attend three-hour orientation session, arranged for
individuals or groups and Parish Nurse office.
- Attend six meetings annually or 10 meetings
bi-annually.
Monthly meetings will continue on the first Tuesday evening of
the month at 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM (site to be determined). Guest
presenters from various Lourdes agencies and other health and human
service agencies are invited to each meeting to share their
expertise with the parish nurses and health ministers.
Keep Speaker's Bureau available to access health and human
services professionals from Lourdes Hospital and the greater
community. Speaker's Bureau is periodically updated by the Parish
Nurse office.
Please do not hesitate to call the Lourdes Parish Nurse Ministry
office at 607-321-2633 or email kmedovich@lourdes.com if you have a
question or concern. The goal of the Parish Nurse Ministry office
is to increase expectations and professional guidelines for the
ministry of parish nursing and health ministry. We would be
glad to meet with your faith community health committee, parish
nurses, and clergy.
