By: Dr. Bonnie Weaver Battey

The Health Professions are moving away from a biophysical, psychosocial perspective to viewing the human being as holistic, including body, mind and spirit. In addition, a relatively new arena of practice for professional nurses is that of Parish Nursing. This Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) program provides a concise introduction to the role of parish nursing, i.e., professional nursing practice in faith communities.

Educators in the health professions as well as health care administrators and religious leaders will find this CAI helpful in defining and describing the role and impact of parish nursing. Essential, generic information includes a historical overview, as well as the theological and philosophical distinction between wholistic vs. holistic.

An overview of the knowledge, skills, and interpersonal sensitivity appropriate to the ecumenical and multi-cultural practice of Parish Nursing in a variety of congregational settings is provided. Nursing theories which emphasize the spiritual dimension of human beings are included.

Ethical principles and issues are discussed in relation to religious beliefs. Five major world religions are reviewed: Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam. There are few references that provide a brief introduction to comparative religions in a manner that promotes ecumenical attitudes.

Functioning within the organizational structure of a religious community, the Parish Nurse role emphasizes the assessment and care of the spiritual dimension of human beings across the life span.

The role of the parish nurse as a diaconal minister is unique and distinguished from other nursing leadership contexts.

Parish Nursing appeals to those who are well grounded in a religious belief system and a faith community, yet sensitive to ecumenical and multicultural similarities and differences. The spiritual dimension of human beings is emphasized in relation to health and wellness issues.

In the past, the anatomy and physiology of the physical body has been viewed from the perspective of Newtonian physics.

For the 21st century, the new perspective of the human being is that of multidimensional energy fields based on Einsteinian and Quantum physics. The Tiller-Einstein Model of Positive-Negative Space/Time provides new information of importance to the spiritual dimension.

There are very few references that address this scientific approach to holism by succinctly guiding individuals through this new territory in a manner that is easily understood. The Parish Nursing CAI meets this need!

Useful Links for Parish Nursing

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