Developing programs for older adults in a faith community.
I have worked in all areas of nursing, from staff and head nurse positions to faculty and administrative positions, but my work as a parish nurse, particularly with our community of older adults, is one of the most challenging and rewarding areas of nursing practice I have ever experienced. Recently, one of our independent older adult parishioners, Marge, suddenly had a marked decrease in her ability to function, which was precipitated by two trips to the hospital and surgery. She went from living independently to living in a skilled care unit, no longer able to walk or perform activities of daily living without assistance. I had known Marge for only 2 years. When she became ill, I visited her weekly during the last 4 months of her life, as she had no family in the area. During my visit one evening as I helped Marge get ready for bed, she left me with a very poignant memory. After sharing some hair-raising stories about her care at this facility, she said, "Georgine, you're my best friend. You're the only one I can tell these things to and I know you understand."
Redmond
Georgine M
GM
St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Falls Church, Virginia 22041, USA. gredmond@stanthonyparish.org
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008132:Loneliness; D033262:Narration; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D010327:Pastoral Care / Q000379:methods*