What is a Parish Nurse?

The Parish Nurse is a registered professional nurse who serves the congregation by offering preventive information and education, with a focus on health promotion and physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The parish nurses have been to special training sessions and have become certified.

The Parish Nurse serves as Educator, Health Counselor, Referral Source, and Health Advocate.

The Parish Nurse does not...

• ...provide hands-on-care other than blood pressure screening and minor first aid.
• ... replace the care of a physician or other health care provider, home health agency, hospice, therapist, social worker, or pastor.

Who might need a Parish Nurse?

Would you like a one-on-one consultation such as a blood pressure screening or discussion about a medical condition such as diabetes or a review of your medications? See the parish nurse during office hours or give a parish nurse a call.

Would you like a visit from a parish nurse? After returning home from the hospital or other situation that we might assess and make a referral (remember we do not replace home health nursing or give hands on care).

Would you like to participate in one of the health screenings? Watch the Sunday bulletins, monthly newsletters, and bulletin board in the Narthex.

Do you have a question about a diagnosis, lab test, or other medical issue? Leave a confidential voice mail at ext. 24 or email the parish nurse office.

Would you like a class or service to be provided? Contact a parish nurse.

Do you have a problem that affects your physical, emotional, or spiritual well-being? Contact a parish nurse.

Mission Statement

The mission of Parish Nursing is the integration of the practice of faith with the practice of nursing to promote and nurture health, wellness, and healing within the congregation.

Scriptural Basis:

For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds, says the Lord.

Jeremiah 30:17a

He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Luke 9:2

Services

• Screenings
  • Blood Pressure
  • Glaucoma
  • Hearing
  • Cholesterol and Blood Glucose
  • Periodic Health Fairs
• Health Promotion:
  • Monthly Newsletter Page
  • Weekly Bulletin Announcements
  • Bulletin Board
  • Classes
  • Walkers Club
  • Support Groups
• One-on one Office Hours:
  • Tuesdays 10 am - 12 Noon in the Parish Nurses office
• Referral:
  • Community resources
  • Health literature and brochures
  • Computer search on health topics
• Confidential Phone Contact:
  • 706-745-2073 Ext. 24
• Walker's Club

  We are "Walking around America". For every mile you actually walk, you will get credit for 50 miles on the map. You can walk at the park, in your neighborhood, or on your tread mill. Just be sure to measure your mileage with a car or otherwise to be accurate. You can start any time. Turn in your mileage to A.G. Sherman. We normally have a breakfast meeting on the 4th Wednesday of the month (except for November and December due to the holidays.) Come join us!

• Prayer Pagers

  Anyone can ask for a Prayer Pager if you would like the comfort of knowing that someone is praying for you. The pager will vibrate or buzz when someone prays for you and dials your number. The name and number are printed in the bulletin, with no comment as to why you have one. Please see a parish nurse or the church secretary to obtain one. If you would like to pray for someone with a pager, simply say a prayer, then dial the number. When you hear a beep, enter 1-1-1-1 #, and hang up.

Support Groups

The Diabetes Foundation of Georgia has a support group that meets at our church. Contact Bob Taylor at 706-781-7777 for information.

Grief Share is a support group for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. It is held periodically when the need arises. It consists of a 13-week session with videos and workbooks. The leaders and members share and support one another.

Who are the Nurses?

Jackie Franklin 706-745-1877

Sharon Willits 706-835-1895

Bambi Wooten 706-745-9402

VOLUNTEERS: We welcome both professional and lay volunteers! Call 706-745-2073 ext 24 to volunteer. You can also email the Parish Nurse office.

Health Cabinet

The Health Cabinet is a church committee that advises and supports the Parish Nurse Ministry. It consists of both lay and medical professionals, and meets quarterly. If you are interested in serving on this church committee, please contact a Parish Nurse or the current chairperson.

Chairman: Margie Bowron

Albright, Tonia

Browning, John

Eubanks, Jim

Franklin, Jackie

Jordan, James

McAfee, Linda

Mullen, Pam

Piper, Barbara

Sherman, A.G.

Willits, Sharon

Wooten, Bambi