Education and Support Programs

Practicum / Mentoring

Practicum for Parish Nurse Candidates

For Parish Nurse Candidates, the practicum provides the experience that is essential for integrating theory and practice. A Practicum Agreement is signed by the partner congregation, Parish Nurse Candidate and Mentor to validate the covenant nature of this relationship. There is a practicum experience of 100 hours following each of Levels One and Two of the Education Program.

See Parish Nursing Education Program.

 

Mentoring

Every Parish Nurse Candidate is provided with a Mentor during the Practicum of the Education Program. Parish Nurse Candidates meet at least monthly with their Mentor, an experienced Parish Nurse who has completed the three-level ICHM Canada educational program, holds a current certificate of nursing competence, has been an active participant of a Parish Nurse Support Group and has skills in interpersonal relationships, prayer partnerships and listening.

Mentoring is a faith-based relationship in which the mentor and the candidate become both prayer and learning partners. The relationship develops on the basis of mutual trust, security, confidentiality, respect and professional sharing. An important component of the mentoring process is the involvement of the Parish Nurse Candidate and mentor in a Parish Nurse Support Group.