Parish Nursing Program
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Parish Nurse Ministry
Coordinator: Sherri TurnerPhone: 352-746-9422
e-mail: [email protected]Goals and Purpose: We are a small group of registered nurses, of varying ages and professional backgrounds, who use their experience and skills to provide spiritual and emotional care, in an effort to maintain the health and healing of the whole person.Responsibilities: In addition to being available for questions or advice, we provide regular blood pressure screenings, serve as personal health counselors or health advocates, and provide health information sessions for the parish.Helpful Attributes: Firm belief in the importance of integrating faith and spirituality in a whole-person ministry.Time Commitment: 4-6 hours monthly, or more as personally directed.Training Required: Any active registered nurse who is interested in our ministry is asked to call for more information.Fingerprinting Required: Fingerprinting and diocesan safe 14 environment training required for the nurses, as well as an active, current Florida nursing license.Meeting Schedule: Nurses are available every Tuesday morning, 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon, in the office in the church. We also provide blood pressure screenings on the last weekend of every month, between the Masses, in the Bethlehem Room -
Mental Health Awareness
We find ourselves in a time unlike any we have experienced before—physical, emotional, economic, social stressors abound. We also feel powerless and often victimized by something we cannot control. God is in control and will lead us according to His Plan. We believe this, but sometimes the anxieties and insecurities get in our way.
Depression & anxiety are more common as we age, and coupled with the insecurities of the current pandemic, may lead to increased risk of suicide.
The symptoms may be subtle, and include depression or other mental disorder, family history of suicide, physical or emotional abuse, social isolation or lack of support, drug or alcohol misuse, physical illness or terminal disease, family disruption such as divorce.
If we have a family member or friend with some of the symptoms, we also need to be aware of the warning signs: preoccupation with death—talking or writing, intense sadness or hopeless feelings, social withdrawal from friends and family, substance abuse or misuse, giving away possessions, irregular or disturbed sleep, inability to concentrate, obtaining a mechanism of suicide (guns, knives, pills).
We should all be cognizant that mental disorder is a diagnosable illness that affects a persons thinking, emotional state and behavior.
These individuals should be encouraged to seek professional assistance.
If you believe anyone you love is at risk of suicide, please call the National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-8255 for more information and advice.
Other Resources:www.mentalhealth.gov- SAMHSA 1(-877-726-4727 (For general information
- Veterans Crisis Line -1-800-273-8255
From the Parish Safety Team (Jack King) and Faith Community Nurses (Sherri Turner)
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