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Parish Nursing Ministry
Graduate & Continuing studies home | professional development
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!
I simply love this time of year! The leaves are falling, the air is crisp, harvest is nearing completion, and apple crisp is in the oven. In addition, this is the time of year in which we reflect on all the gifts that God has provided – blessings of friendship, sense of community, and the beauty of nature. Soon we will be celebrating the gift of the Christ child. May you find time throughout the hustle and bustle of this season to sit quietly surrounded by gifts – giving thanks to God for all.
We are pleased to announce the dates for the spring/summer Faith Community Nursing Foundations course in the Fargo, ND/Moorhead, MN area - June 3-7, and registration is open. Please prayerfully consider attending a foundations course and/or share the program information with your nursing colleagues. Our friends 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. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, work on updating the scope and standards of practice and the curriculum was delayed. The updated materials are to become available sometime late 2024. There are no new modules but much updating of resources, literature, and addition of current issues in nursing practice. Please consider attending the upcoming Spiritual Care Association’s Virtual Conference & Symposium, April 15-17, 2024, for updates on faith community nursing practice. https://www.spiritualcareassociation.org/conference/
For those of you living near the Fargo/Moorhead area, we have a chapter of Nurses Christian Fellowship. The meetings are held the 3rd 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 (perhaps in the future?). 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
Preparation Courses & Continuing Education
The foundations course is taught in person; there is not an 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 nursing continuing professional development activity was approved by the Northeast Multistate Division Education Unit, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation, to award 36.5 contact hours.
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
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:
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RN License Number/ State
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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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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.
In Memory
Eva Addison, age 90, died on January 2, 2023. Eva was a Concordia (Luther Seminary, St. Paul MN, location from March of 2000) program alumna. She served as a parish nurse at Nativity Lutheran Church in St. Anthony, MN. Prior to serving as a parish nurse, she worked many years in adolescent psychiatry.
Reverend Cynthia Senarighi, died on March 4, 2023. Cindy was a Concordia (Luther Seminary, St. Paul MN. Location in 1999) program alumna. She was an RN for 25 years and then became a pastor at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi, MN. She was a cofounder and CEO of Yogadevotion, a faith-based yoga company since 1999.
"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
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
Registration
Begin your exciting journey into parish nurse ministry. Applications for the June 2024 session will open soon!
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