Parish Nursing Program
The St. Croix Valley Parish Nurse Program is a healthcare ministry providing physical, emotional and spiritual care for individuals, families and communities served by local congregations in partnership with Lakeview Hospital. Parish nurses are Lakeview Hospital employees who serve area congregations.
Parish nursing combines healthcare and ministry to enhance the health and well-being of parishioners and the community. Parish nurses are licensed registered nurses who also have completed parish nurse education. They bring holistic healthcare and a variety of wellness resources to parishioners and the community — in their homes, healthcare settings and at the churches. The role of the parish nurse varies from congregation to congregation based upon the needs of the church, and may include serving as a health educator, health counselor, coordinator of volunteers, integrator of faith/health relationship, referral source and health advocate. The parish nurse promotes a greater understanding of health related issues and addresses these concerns through information and education.
There are presently eight churches in the St. Croix Valley Parish Nurse Program:
- St. Michael’s Catholic Church (Stillwater, MN)
- First Presbyterian Church (Stillwater, MN)
- Our Savior’s Lutheran Church (Stillwater, MN)
- Christ Lutheran Church (Marine on St. Croix, MN)
- St. Peter’s Catholic Church (Forest Lake, MN)
- St. Paul Lutheran Church (Stillwater, MN)
- Ascension Episcopal Church (Stillwater, MN)
- Christ Lutheran Church (Lake Elmo, MN)
There are also three parish nurses in the extended network who participate in the St. Croix Valley Parish Nurse Program meetings and activities. We continue to work with churches in the St. Croix Valley who have an interest in starting a parish nurse program.
