Healing partners: the oncology nurse and the parish nurse.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the role of the parish nurse and to examine elements of a parish nurse program and standards of care.


METHODS
Journal articles, book chapters, and personal experience related to parish nursing.


CONCLUSIONS
Parish nursing is a fairly new specialized area of nursing with standards of care and professional performance. The parish nurse concept has gained acceptance across the country and the number of parish nurse programs are increasing.


CONCLUSIONS
The parish nurse focuses on health promotion within the context of the beliefs, values, and practices of a faith community. The role of the parish nurse centers on providing education and support to members of a congregation. Oncology nurses and parish nurses can work together as partners in providing care to patients with cancer and their families.
Bay
M J
MJ
Spiritual Care Department, Centura Health/Penrose-St Francis Health Services, Colorado Springs, USA.
D002835:Christianity; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D016294:Models, Nursing; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D010327:Pastoral Care; D013041:Specialties, Nursing; D014481:United States