Health Ministries
health Committees
Every congregation having a Parish Nursing Ministry enlists/appoints a Health Committee which works collaboratively with the Parish Nurse and Clergy to plan, promote and support the health and healing ministry of the parish or congregation.
The responsibilities of the Health Committee include:
Educating the members of the congregation about the link between faith and health, holistic concepts of health care integrating spirit, body and mind in health promotion and disease prevention.
Assessing the particular needs which members of the congregation identify to be addressed by the Parish Nursing Ministry, as well as the needs of the surrounding community.
Arranging for the placement and support of the Parish Nurse by:
- Developing a job description and contract for the Parish Nurse
- Recruiting, interviewing and selecting the Parish Nurse
- Providing office and program space, telephone and secretarial support
- Providing travel allowance
- Advocating on behalf of the Parish Nurse in terms of salary, benefits, honoraria, liability insurance and membership in the Provincial Registered Nurses Association.
- Supporting the Parish Nurse in ongoing education opportunities
Developing programs, activities and a planning calendar (both short and long-term) in collaboration with the total parish program.
Communicating with the congregation and keeping them informed of the Parish Nursing Ministry.
Providing ongoing support and future direction for the Parish Nurse and the Health and Healing Ministry by:
- Meeting regularly
- Evaluating and reviewing the ministry annually with the support of InterChurch Health Ministries Canada (upon request)
- Arranging and planning a service of recognition to commission the Parish Nurse and the Health Committee
- Participating in joint meetings with other Health Committees for sharing,
learning and planning, with support from InterChurch Health Ministries Canada