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Parish Nursing Ministry
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 | October 2022 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...
Really appreciated the spiritual care foundation from scripture.
Love the case studies…appreciate the real stories.
Appreciate bring in outside expertise.
From the bottom of my heart! I’m so blessed to have been given the opportunity to take this course, with these instructors!
So helpful for me, re-energized me in my faith and life journey.
Preparation Courses & Continuing Education
The foundations course is taught in person; there is no online option.
The course is based on the curriculum developed through the Westberg Institute for Faith Community Nursing. The curriculum is owned by: Spiritual Care Association, Inc.
505 Eighth Avenue, Suite 900
New York, NY 10018
212.644.1111
info@SpiritualCareAssociation.org
This continuing nursing education activity has been approved by the Alabama State Nurses Association for 36.5 contact hours. The Alabama State Nurses Association is accredited as an approver of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
Program Requirements
You must be:
A Registered Nurse with a current unencumbered license to practice professional nursing in the state(s) in which one will practice in the role as a faith community nurse (FCN). There is no specific educational level requirement beyond the basic registered nurse preparation.
Note: Lay and professional faith community leaders may complete the course in the role as "participant observers." These requests will be reviewed on an individual basis.
You must possess:
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A strong commitment to the holistic concept of health care, including the spiritual dimension of healing and health.
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Good communication skills
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Active involvement in a local faith community
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A commitment to completion of the entire foundations preparation program
2022 Foundations Course Information
Dates | October 3-7, 2022
Times | Contact time varies daily to meet the 36.5 hour requirement. More information will be provided by the program director.
Location |
Olivet Lutheran Church
1330 S University Dr
Fargo, ND 58103
Location on Google Maps
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 reference letter-September 19, 2022
Churches are encouraged to sponsor nurses and provide the program fee. A small 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 by September 19, 2022.
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 September 19 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:
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RN License Number
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RN License Status
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Church or Faith Community Name
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Church or Faith Community Address
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Denomination
Refund Policy | If you register for the course and are unable to attend, please contact bokinski@cord.edu for cancellation fees.
In Memory
Lyla R. Pagels, age 71, died June 25, 2021. She was a Concordia (Luther Seminary site from 1995) program alumna. She was the parish nurse program coordinator at Mercy/Unity, Fridley, MN for several years. Lyla was an active participant, program planning committee member, wonderful pianist, and topic presenter for many of the Concordia parish nurse renewals and preparation courses. Lyla had the ability to welcome others and her laugh was contagious.
Dr. Mary Auterman, age 83, died October 6, 2021. She was a faculty member at Augustana University, Sioux Falls, SD, and served in the US Army Nurse Corps. She established the parish nurse program for Augustana and served as the director and educator. In addition to educating many parish nurses, she promoted the ministry across the US and abroad. Mary was passionate about caring for others and her smile was inviting.
Valborg Tollesfrud, age 96, died October 22, 2021. She was a Concordia (Luther Seminary site from 1995) program alumna. Valborg was a faculty member at St. Olaf, Northfield, MN, and served in the US Army Nurse Corps Reserve. Upon retirement from academia, she served as a parish nurses in the Minneapolis area. Valborg was an active participant for many of the Concordia parish nurse renewals, a topic presenter for the preparation courses, and a wonderful pianist. Valborg was a quick wit, and her energy was boundless.
Kathleen “Kathy” Johnson, age 75, died January 22, 2022. Kathy was a Concordia (Concordia location from May of 2006) program alumna. She was a parish nurse at St. Joseph’s Parish Community in Moorhead, MN, and served in the US Navy as a nurse in San Diego, CA, and in Guam. She was a mentor for the Concordia College nursing students for a number of years. Upon retirement, she continued to serve her parish by serving as a fellowship leader, communion server, and a knitter for the prayer shawl ministry.
"She Was There"
When a calming, quiet presence was all that was needed,
She was there.
In the excitement and miracle of birth or in the mystery and loss of life,
She was there.
When a silent glance could uplift a patient, family member or friend,
She was there.
At those times when the unexplainable needed to be explained,
She was there.
When the situation demanded a swift foot and sharp mind,
She was there.
When a gentle touch, a firm push, or an encouraging word was needed,
She was there.
In choosing the best one from a family’s “Thank You” box of chocolates,
She was there.
To witness humanity—its beauty, in good times and bad, without judgment,
She was there.
To embrace the woes of the world, willingly, and offer hope,
She was there
And now, that it is time to be at the Greater One’s side,
She is there.
©2004 Duane Jaeger, RN, MSN
Program Director's Message
Greetings from the Concordia College Parish Nurse Ministry Program!
Throughout the past year, my brain has been inundated with information on the impact of the Coronavirus on one’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. One can hardly have a conversation without mention of the pandemic’s effects on our fellow parishioners, friends, or colleagues. At times I wonder what we talked about prior to the pandemic (deep down I really miss those conversations)! Pastor Craig Groeschel, a speaker at this past summer’s Global Leadership Summit, shared that he created a new leadership term called “PUC”. PUC stands for pain, uncertainty, and chaos. It is the muck and yuck that surrounds us and keeps us from growing and nurturing others. I have been reflecting upon his presentation and realized how easy it has been to get caught up in the sadness, anxieties, and heaviness of local and global events. At present, I am involved in a Bible study focused on the 23rd Psalm and as we dig into each verse, the Holy Spirit is revealing a powerful message! I encourage you to continue to keep the faith by gathering with others to share your highs and lows, staying focused on God’s amazing love through reading of his Word and attending to your prayer life. God is there through all of this. He knows pain, suffering, grief, and uncertainty and has conquered all through the death of his beloved Son! Amen.
We are excited to share the dates and location for our next Faith Community Nursing Foundations course! Our host site will be Olivet Lutheran Church, 1330 South University Drive, Fargo, ND. The dates are set for April 25-29, 2022. Please see the registration link on the website. As in the past, the course will be in-person as there is not a distance learning option at this time. We will be following guidelines for pandemic precautions if needed. However, if 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 prayerfully consider attending a foundations course and/or share the program information with your nursing colleagues. Our friends and course alumni are an important part of program referral.
We are in the beginning stages of planning a “renewal” event. It has been a few years since we have hosted a continuing education event. It will be a time to network, reconnect with friends, and grow in faith. Information will be shared as soon as we have dates.
It is my pleasure to welcome you to our website. More resource links and materials will be added to assist in the development and growth of your health and healing ministries. There is a new “In Memory” section where we can post brief obituaries of program alumni and champions. Please let me know if one of our colleagues has passed away so we can share their tribute. If you have resource ideas that you would like for us to consider posting, please let me know. 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
Religious & Spiritual Associations
Church Health Center Catholic Health Association Evangelical Lutheran Parish Nurse Association Westberg Institute for Faith Community NursingSpiritual Care Association
The heart of the faith community nursing movement.
Acting locally, inspiring globally.
SCA is prepared and well-equipped to support the various needs of FCNs globally and further continue the development of the specialty nursing practice with high quality best-practice educational opportunities and resources.
Contact Information
Dr. Jean C. Bokinskie
Director | Parish Nurse Ministry Program
bokinski@cord.edu
218.299.3567
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