Parish Nursing Ministry

Since 1991, Concordia College has prepared more than 1,700 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 | Program 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...

I enjoyed the week so much. I learned more than I will need but … you never know where the Lord will lead. The instructors were awesome and I really enjoyed meeting other nurses from different areas and backgrounds. Wonderful experienced and thank you all!

Thank you for making this program available to me. It was a spiritual experience for me and far exceeded my expectations!

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Foundations Course Information

Upcoming Sessions will be announced soon.

Cost | $450
The cost includes a full week of instruction, participant workbook, a binder of materials, and standards of practice. The cost also includes refreshments and some meals for the week. Churches are encouraged to sponsor nurses and provide the program fee.

Registration must be received along with a $100 deposit or the full payment of $450 before the deadline.
A letter of reference from a colleague or a member of your clergy must also be submitted via email to the program director by this date.

Refund Policy | If you register for the course and are unable to attend, please contact continue@cord.edu. A $25 cancellation fee will be applied to your refund. The deposit amount of $100 will be held for cancellations received after the deadline.

Message from the Program Director

Greetings from the Concordia College Parish Nurse Ministry Program!

I have served as the Director of the Parish Nurse Ministry Program since 2000 and have had the pleasure of educating and supporting many nurses who are passionate about whole person ministry. I would say that many nurses become faith community nurses/parish nurses because of their desire to journey with people through the great times and difficult periods of life, provide care that puts spiritual health at the center of their practice, as well as a means to fulfill their vocation as a nurse.

It is my pleasure to welcome you to our updated program website. I will be adding more resource materials and links in the coming months to assist in the development and growth of your health and healing ministries. It is an important time for faith communities to utilize the expertise of nurses who are focused on whole person health. Faith community nurses are assisting leaders in addressing issues of social isolation, interpreting national/state/local guidelines for facility safety, providing individual health education, and navigating healthcare systems for congregants. It is a great time to be a faith community nurse!

I am so excited to share the news that we will be having our next Faith Community Nursing Foundations course at First Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND. The dates are planned for June 7-11, 2021 and the course will be in-person (there is not a distance learning option).  We will be following guidelines for social distancing, sanitizing, and wearing of face masks. If the guidelines change and places of worship are closed due to another surge in COVID-19 cases, we will need to reschedule the course. We will provide updates on our website and e-mail those who have already registered for the course.

Please share the program information with your nursing colleagues as our friends and alumni are an important part of program referral. I can be reached at 218-299-3825 or bokinski@cord.edu

Blessings,

Dr. Jean Bokinskie, PhD, RN