The delivery of health care in faith-based organizations: parish nurses as promoters of health

Abstract

This research report examines the role of faith-based organizations in the delivery of health care. Special emphasis is given to parish nurse programs and the unique relationship between parish nurses and faith members. Parish nurses attend not only to the physical needs of faith members, but also to needs associated with emotional and spiritual wellness. Parish nurses (N = 25) responded to questions about health ministries in faith-based organizations, their role as nurses, and the benefits of partnering with these organizations to promote health care. The nurses described the delivery of care through educational clinics, viewed themselves as promoters of health, and described the benefits of a holistic approach to health that includes emotional and spiritual dimensions. The discussion addresses themes that emerged from the results as well the ethical implications of incorporating health ministries into faith-based organizations.