- Nursing
- Nursing specialties
- Parish nurse
Parish nurse
A parish or faith community nurse cares for patients within their religious community.
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Required education
ADN or BSN
Varied
Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.
Out-of-hospital
Treat patients in their homes, during travel, or other non-hospital environments.
Patient-facing
Work hands-on, directly with patients.
Independent
Work on your own or even start your own practice, in some states.
What is the role of a parish nurse?
You’ll treat people holistically, balancing body, mind, and spirit to help them achieve overall wellness.
What you’ll do as a parish nurse
Collaboration
You’ll be the liaison between patients, the community and the healthcare team.
Education
You’ll teach your peers and people within the community how to stay healthy.
Examination
You’ll perform health screenings.
Support
You’ll provide spiritual support to patients and advocate on their behalf.
Mentorship
You’ll guide and support members of your parish.
Source: William J. Nazareth, Jr./Callen-Lorde
Where you’ll work as a parish nurse
Parish nurses work in a variety of settings, including:
- Churches
- Community service centers
- Hospitals
How to become a parish nurse
Get an Associate’s Degrees in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
When considering a future nursing career, it’s important to explore the different nursing programs available and the paths they offer. With various options like associate degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and direct-entry master’s degree programs, prospective students can choose the educational path that best suits their goals and interests.
Pass the NCLEX-RN and work as a Registered Nurse for two years.
The National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) is the all-important step between graduating from nursing school and becoming a nurse. It’s a standardized test, set by the Board of Nursing in each state, that makes sure you have the knowledge and skills you need to work in the field of nursing.
While there’s no specific certification for a parish nurse, you can get certified in faith/vommunity nursing through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
You’re ready to work as a parish nurse!
Parish nurse career resources
Become a member of a parish nurse organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
American Nurses Credentialing Center
American Nurses Credentialing Center
Related nursing specialties
Rural nurse
A rural nurse helps patients living in geographically and culturally isolated areas, who may have limited access to healthcare.
Missionary nurse
A missionary nurse works through a religious non-profit, or humanitarian group, providing physical care and spiritual support to patients in underdeveloped areas of the world.