What Is Faith Community Nursing?

1. What Is Faith Community Nursing? FCN HISTORY WHO ARE THE TEAM? WHAT IS THE SPECIFIC ROLE OF THE FCN etc IS THIS THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH? IS SPIRITUALITY RELEVANT IN HEALTH CARE WHY A NURSE IN A CHURCH? QUESTIONS & ANSEWERS

2. HISTORY: •   Granger Westberg • Illness is a multidisiplinary phenomenon & fragmentation of the patient is one of the greatest problems in healthcare(Granger,1990) • Introduced to Australia 1996 • NZ Nelson 1999   there are currently 15 Nurses reg in NZ (6) working paid employment – (2) Ang,(4) Pacific Island employed by Auck DHB • 2004 – FCN Assn formed recognised by Nursing council. • Protocols & policies currently being compiled by the Nursing Council and FCN Assn.

3. WHO IS THE TEAM? God, the Pastor/Church, the Faith Community Nurse, & the Client,

4. What is the FCN specific Role • Health education/promotion • Health counselling • Advocacy • Referral agent • Volunteer coordinator and trainer • Ministry team member

5. Professional Skills required of a nurse • Maturity - nursing experience • Critical thinking skills • Communication skills • Assessment skills • Management skills • Facilitation / networking skills (including documentation) • Skills to self evaluate - peer reviews - professional supervision, prayer partner

6. Where Do They Work? Faith community: • Church fellowship • Elderly care facility • GP practice • School • Hospital

7. How Do They Work? • As a registered nurse • Employee of the church • Network with health agencies • Primary health care • Part of a pastoral team • Within a specific role

8. What Training Do They Need? • Current practicing certificate. • Initial FCN course • Be active member of a church community • Professional portfolio with updated training in primary health care • Ongoing education – Graduate courses e.g Diploma course in theology majoring in FCN (available not pre requisite) • Attendance at annual FCN conference • FCNA Membership

9. Is it the mission of the church? • Historically it has been the responsibility of the Christian Church’s to care for people, in response to Jesus’ message, “…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40 • The call of the church to help people on their journey towards forgiveness, healing, hope, peace and wholeness. “…Faith by itself, if not accompanied by action is dead.” James 2:17 • The teaching of the church to lay hands on the sick, anointing them with oil so they will be healed. James 5:14

10. Does Spirituality have a place in healthcare?

11. Why does the church community need a nurse • Promote holistic wellbeing (body, mind and spirit) • To address health issues across the lifespan of the community • To address the gaps that people are falling through despite our good health services.- knows way around the health system • She is a professional skilled person with faith therefore giving credibility and permission to address presenting health needs.

12. A foot in each camp Faith Community Nursing Physical World Spiritual World God longs to heal and calls us to be his hands and feet Focused Pastoral Care

13. Advantages to the church • Evangelical ministry into the wider community • Keeps the client faith focused through their health journey • Improves well being for clients through making healthy choices • Empowers people to respond positively to life and faith • Expresses Jesus • Builds a faith community of people who care for each other

14. 2008 ‘’ Conference • “Bridging Health with our Faith Communities” • Living Springs, Christchurch • Three day conference • 25th – 27th October, 2008

15. INFORMATION • Website:www.faithnursing.co.nzwwwww.faithnursing.co.nzwww • Contact secretary: Diane Webster admin.fcgwebster@xtra.co.nzaithnursindia • Membership $30.00 per annum