Parish Nursing
What is a Parish Nurse?
Parish Nurses are registered nurses (RNs) with specialized training in parish nursing and experience working as a health care provider.
What does Parish Nurse Ministry include?
Assists parishioners to achieve higher levels of wellness by improving both spiritual and physical health
- Health Educator
Available for health education, providing opportunity to learn about health issues
- Health Counselor
Gives personal assistance with health planning choices
- Referral Advisor
Provides referrals to healthcare and social services
- Health Advocate
Encourages people to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles
- Developer of Support Groups
Facilitates the development of support groups in the faith community
- Health Advisory Team
Meets regularly with the Health Advisory Team to set goals for the Parish Nurse Program
- Volunteer Coordinator
Recruits, prepares and oversees volunteers who help those in need
The Role of the Parish Nurse in the congregation
As a member of the pastoral care team, the parish nurse works to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the congregation. Congregational parish nurses are not expected to be primary health care givers, rather they coordinate health programs and facilitate the use of church and community resources.
What about confidentiality?
All conversations and interactions with the Parish Nurse are kept confidential. Documentation is required by state nursing laws and will be kept in a locked file.
St. Mark’s Parish Nurses
Four registered nurses from St. Mark’s have completed the Parish Nurse classes sponsored by Pacific Lutheran University, in collaboration with the Franciscan Health System. They are:
Helen Bache, interest in geriatrics, end of life and grief support
Home Phone: 253-752-0561
Karen Grams, interest in newborns, child care and support for caregivers of the seriously ill
Home Phone: 253-389-1886
Ruth Saathoff, interest in OB, geriatrics and administration
Home Phone: 253-851-1584
Joan Torfin, interest in cardiology and general support
Home Phone: 253-460-5921
How can they be reached?
Office hours at the church are:
Wednesday 4:30-7:30pm
Thursday 9:00-11:00
Sunday 9:30-11:00
Home and hospital visits can be scheduled by calling the office.
Office phone: 253-752-4966
Blood Pressure Screening is offered once a month after each service as well as during office hours.
Blood Mobile comes every 9 weeks.
