Parish nurse

A parish or faith community nurse cares for patients within their religious community.

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.

nurse and patient at Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, New York

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

Search Results

No Results