Fairview partners with local congregations—of all faiths—to provide a faith community nurse program. Churches continue to play a large part in people’s lives, it’s a place of trust, community gathering and connection. As our communities change and become more diverse, faith community nurses are an integral part of that connection and trust, helping improve the health of our communities.
Faith community nurses are employees of the congregation and receive support from Fairview through grants and annual trainings. Nurses are licensed, registered nurses who have received training to provide care that is spiritually-focused in a faith community—bringing together faith and health, spirituality and healing.
Nurses visit patients in their home and take blood pressure, go over medications and look out for safety issues. In addition, they care for people spiritually and emotionally.
Fairview provides educational opportunities to help nurses expand their reach to the larger congregation. We also offer small grants to support the ministry of the Faith Community Nurse.
Faith Community Nurses meet the needs of their church community in very creative ways—offerings have included health fairs, education sessions on essential oils, hypertension and other health topics, a walking program and meals for kids not in school during the summer.
Watch one example of the important connections that are made through the faith community nurse program:
The faith community nurse program is funded in part by Fairview Foundation. To help build more lasting relationships, make a gift at fairview.org/giving.
RELATED LINKSFaith community nurses are experienced registered nurses (RNs) with added education in faith community nursing. They empower others to take responsibility for their own health by providing support to individuals and families — through all stages of life.
Faith community nurses do not perform invasive procedures such as blood drawing, medical treatments or direct, hands-on care. They do work with home care, public health, and other professionals to ensure those needing hands-on care receive an appropriate referral.
There are currently more than 10 faith community nurses working in East Metro faith communities. They work in either their home congregation or an assigned congregation or community program and they promote wellness through seven roles:
Health educatorFaith community nurses offer classes and support groups on a variety of health-related topics.
Personal health counselorFaith community nurses meet with individuals and families — at church, home, hospitals or other facilities — to discuss health concerns.
Referral agent and liaisonFaith community nurses provide referrals to both congregational and community resources.
Volunteer facilitatorFaith community nurses coordinate volunteers and other resources within the congregation to serve in various health ministries.
Health advocateFaith community nurses listen to and support individuals and families who need health care resources. When necessary, faith community nurses connect people with appropriate services and serve as their voice when they need help.
Support group developerFaith community nurses develop support groups for the congregation and the local community when needed. The congregational needs assessment helps determine if support groups are needed.
Faith/health relationship integratorFaith community nurses help individuals understand how body, mind and spirit are closely related.
