Parish Nursing Ministry

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Since 1991, Concordia College has prepared nearly 1,800 nurses to serve in faith communities across the country.

As faith community nurses (or parish nurses), these professionals are called and committed to the healing ministry of the church, helping meet the emotional, physical and spiritual needs of the members. This ministry is grounded in the tradition of the church, “to preach the kingdom of God and to heal” (Luke 9:2). The faith community nurse program within a congregation also recognizes that the ministry of the church community is to proclaim God's desire that we strive toward an abundant, healthful life.

Concordia’s Parish Nurse Ministry program offers foundations courses (educational preparation programs) at select times in the year. Faith communities are encouraged to sponsor nurses by providing funding for the foundations course.

PRINT | June 2024 Foundations Course Overview
PRINT | Frequently Asked Questions
PRINT | Steps to Develop an Effective Faith Community Nurse / Parish Nurse Program
PRINT | Supplemental Supply List (supplies may be purchased at any time)

About the course from past participants...

Very informative education covered all aspects of care. Love the speakers, guest lecturers, and breakout small groups.

Truly inspiring, heartfelt group of instructors. This has been an amazing week spent with amazing people.

This was fabulous training. I really appreciated all the extra loving touches. I enjoyed meeting all my future parish nurse colleagues and our seasoned faculty. What a blessing!

So inspirational, I am motivated to move forward in my new role. Thank you so much!

The special guest speakers were appreciated. The chapel healing service was wonderful. The whole week was a phenomenal experience. I feel prepared to begin collaboration and serving with my church.

Program Director's Note

Greetings from the Concordia College Parish Nurse Ministry Program!

Winter/Spring is such a season of change and uncertainty! The weather in the Fargo-Moorhead area has gone from sunny balmy 50 degrees to windy chilly 5 degrees within 24 hours. I’m not sure if I should be wearing shorts and a t-shirt or bundled up in winter gear. The tender plants that are peaking out of the earth are curling back into the ground in search of warmth. Change abounds in our community, region, nation and world. We continue to lift in prayer those experiencing conflict, loss and struggles. During this season, the church year changes with 40 days of prayer during Lent to the glorious Easter message. It is the only certainty that I know for sure! Christ is Risen - He is Risen indeed.

We are finalizing the events of the Spring/Summer Faith Community Nursing Foundations course in the Fargo, ND/Moorhead, MN area. The dates will be the first part of June 3-7, 2024 at First Lutheran Church. The registration link is open on the website and is ready for your application! Do not hesitate to email me if you have any questions. Please prayerfully consider attending a foundations course and/or sharing the program information with your nursing colleagues. Our friends, colleagues and program alumni are a vital part of program referral.

The Westberg Institute, a division of the Spiritual Care Association, is working with content experts/authors to update the foundations curriculum. The modules are nearly completed, and the content has gone to the editors for review. The updated materials are to become available sometime late 2024. There are no new modules but much updating of resources, literature, and current issues in nursing practice. Work on updating the scope and standards of practice is also underway. In addition, please consider attending the upcoming Spiritual Care Association’s Virtual Conference & Symposium, April 15-17, 2024, for updates on faith community nursing practice.

For those of you living near the Fargo/Moorhead area, we have a chapter of Nurses Christian Fellowship. The meetings are held the 3^rd Monday of each month. Our focus is on spiritual development and supporting each other in our nursing work. At present, we are not offering continuing education activities (however, if you are a member of the national organization of NCF you can obtain free CE through the organization).  We have a Facebook presence (Nurses Christian Fellowship Fargo-Moorhead) and will be posting updates of the schedule. We are excited to have a local chapter to spend time in networking and devotions. For more information, please email me at bokinski@cord.edu.

And finally, please let me know if one of our colleagues has passed away so we can share their tribute. The easiest way to reach me is through e-mail at bokinski@cord.edu.

Blessings,

Dr. Jean Bokinskie, PhD, RN

Director, Parish Nurse Ministry Program

Emeritus-in-Residence, Nursing

Foundations Course Information

Dates | June 3-7, 2024
Times | Contact time varies daily to meet the 36.5 hour requirement. More information will be provided by the program director.
Location |
First Lutheran Church
619 Broadway
Fargo, ND 58102
Google Maps Location
Lodging is not available on site, but there are hotels nearby.

Cost | $450

The cost includes a full week of instruction, participant workbook and practice standards ($100 value), and a binder of program materials. The cost also includes refreshments and some meals for the week.

Deadline for registration and submission of reference letter-May 20, 2024

Churches are encouraged to sponsor nurses and provide the program fee. A scholarship may be available to those who are not sponsored by a faith community. Please contact Dr. Bokinskie for more information. 

A letter of reference from a colleague or a member of your clergy must also be submitted via email to the program director on or before the registration deadline above.

Payment may be made by check or credit card. Participants must register using the link below regardless of payment method. If you wish to pay by check, enter the coupon code PNMCHECK at checkout. Registration and full payment must be received by the registration deadline in order to be fully processed and complete.

Please make checks payable to Parish Nursing Ministry Program and send to:

Parish Nursing Ministry Program
Concordia College
901 8th St S
Moorhead, MN 56562

During registration you will need the following information:

• RN License Number/ State
  

• RN License Status

• Church or Faith Community Name

• Church or Faith Community Address

• Affiliated Denomination

Refund Policy | If you register for the course and are unable to attend, please contact bokinski@cord.edu for the cancellation process and fees.