Parish Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving field of healthcare, the importance of parish nurses cannot be overstated.

With the demand for comprehensive and holistic healthcare increasing, the need for skilled professionals who can navigate, enhance, and safeguard our healthcare systems is paramount.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a parish nurse?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core aspects of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the dynamics of parish nursing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a tailor-made parish nurse job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Parish Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Parish Nurses provide physical, mental, and spiritual care to members of a faith community.

They work closely with pastors, health care providers, and volunteers to promote wellness and serve as a source of health information and resources.

Parish Nurses have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assess the health needs of individuals and families within the parish community
• Provide health education and counseling to parishioners
• Act as a liaison between the church, hospitals, and other health care providers
• Develop and coordinate health promotion programs and support groups
• Make home visits to assess health needs, provide care, and offer spiritual support
• Advocate for parishioners in health-related matters, such as navigating the healthcare system or making medical decisions
• Organize and provide health screenings and immunization clinics
• Train volunteers to assist in caring for the health needs of the community
• Maintain parishioner health records and ensure confidentiality

 

Parish Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate Parish Nurse to join our team.

The Parish Nurse will provide holistic health care to our parishioners, focusing on spiritual, physical, and mental health.

The Parish Nurse’s responsibilities include performing health screenings, providing health education, offering counseling and referrals, and advocating for patients.

Our ideal candidate has a deep understanding of faith’s role in health and wellness and has a strong background in nursing, health education, and community outreach.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform health screenings and assessments
• Provide health education and counseling
• Organize and coordinate health programs and seminars
• Advocate for patients and coordinate with healthcare providers
• Offer spiritual support and facilitate faith-based healing
• Refer patients to appropriate community resources
• Record and maintain patient health records
• Stay updated with latest healthcare guidelines and procedures
• Encourage preventive healthcare measures

 

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) with active license
• Experience as a Parish Nurse or in a similar role
• Strong knowledge of health and wellness principles
• Ability to deliver health education and counseling
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Understanding of faith’s role in health and healing
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
• Basic computer skills for maintaining health records

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Parish Nurse
• Work Environment: Church setting. May require visits to parishioners’ homes or hospitals.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Parish Pastor or Church Administrator.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time or Part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our church. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Parish Nurse Do?

Parish Nurses, also known as Faith Community Nurses, work within religious communities to provide holistic health care services.

They typically operate in churches, synagogues, or other religious institutions.

Their primary role is to promote wellness and disease prevention within their community by offering health education, counseling, and referral services.

They may conduct health screenings or wellness checks, provide health-related guidance, organize health fairs, or lead support groups.

Parish Nurses also provide spiritual care as part of their role.

They may pray with patients, provide religious-based counseling, or help them find comfort in their faith during times of illness or crisis.

They often serve as a bridge between the congregation and healthcare providers, helping to navigate the healthcare system and ensure access to appropriate care.

They work closely with clergy, other healthcare professionals, and volunteers to coordinate care for individuals in need.

In addition to these duties, a Parish Nurse might also advocate for health issues within their community, develop health policy for their institution, or research health trends within their congregation.

 

Parish Nurse Qualifications and Skills

Parish Nurses use a mix of professional nursing competencies, interpersonal skills, and spiritual care approaches to provide holistic care to their faith communities.

Their qualifications and skills include:

• Registered Nursing license and training in community health, counseling, and gerontology.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds, and to facilitate support groups.
• A deep understanding of the connection between faith and health and the ability to incorporate spiritual care in health education and counseling.
• Strong knowledge of health promotion, disease prevention, and community health issues.
• Exceptional communication skills to deliver health education in an understandable, empathetic, and encouraging manner.
• Organizational skills to coordinate health screenings, immunization clinics, and other health events.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with church leadership, congregation members, and local health resources.
• Sensitivity and respect for diverse religious beliefs and practices.
• Problem-solving skills to assist individuals and families in navigating complex health care systems.
• Knowledge of ethical and legal considerations related to health care delivery in a faith-based setting.

 

Parish Nurse Experience Requirements

Parish Nurses typically need to be Registered Nurses (RNs) first, which requires an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing.

They are also expected to have some years of experience working as a nurse in a hospital or clinic setting to gain practical experience and expertise in patient care.

The specific amount of experience can vary, but many employers prefer at least 2 to 3 years of nursing experience.

This gives nurses the knowledge and skills necessary to care for a diverse range of patients and handle various health conditions.

In addition to their nursing experience, Parish Nurses usually also need experience or knowledge in community health, public health, or health education.

They often work with community members on health promotion and disease prevention, so this experience is crucial.

Lastly, Parish Nurses also need to have a strong understanding of the intersection of health and spirituality.

Some may gain this through personal experience, while others may seek out additional education or training in areas like theology, pastoral care, or spiritual counseling.

As they progress in their careers, Parish Nurses with more experience may take on leadership roles within their church or community, or may specialize in areas such as geriatric care, mental health, or chronic disease management.

 

Parish Nurse Education and Training Requirements

Parish Nurses are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

This degree provides a solid foundation in medical knowledge, patient care, and critical thinking skills.

As with other nursing roles, they must also pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse.

Experience in nursing, community health, or pastoral care can also be beneficial for this role.

Additionally, they need to complete a specialized Parish Nursing Program or course that provides knowledge of spiritual care, counselling, and community health.

The content of these courses vary but usually cover topics like health ministry, spiritual care, faith community nursing, ethics and more.

Certification as a Parish Nurse is not always required, but it may be preferred by some employers.

Such certification is offered by various institutions and demonstrates the nurse’s commitment to the role and enhances their professional credibility.

Parish Nurses must also have a strong foundation in spiritual faith, as they often work within religious communities and provide spiritual support to patients.

Continuing education is encouraged to keep up to date with the latest medical advancements and parish nursing best practices.

 

Parish Nurse Salary Expectations

A Parish Nurse earns an average salary of $67,345 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can differ based on factors such as experience, certifications, the size of the parish, and the geographical location of the parish.

 

Parish Nurse Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Parish Nurse need?

Parish Nurses should have strong interpersonal skills as they work closely with parish members and other healthcare providers.

They should have excellent nursing skills, the ability to provide spiritual support, and a deep understanding of the intersection of faith and health.

Strong communication skills, the ability to educate parish members about health issues, and crisis management skills are also essential.

 

Do Parish Nurses need a degree?

Yes, Parish Nurses typically need a degree.

They are required to be registered nurses (RN), which involves completing a nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN examination.

Some Parish Nurses may also hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Nursing.

It’s also beneficial, though not compulsory, for them to have additional training in pastoral care or theology.

 

What should you look for in a Parish Nurse resume?

When hiring a Parish Nurse, look for a valid RN license and a background in community or public health nursing.

Experience in pastoral care, counseling, or chaplaincy is a plus.

Also, look for demonstration of strong interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to educate others, and experience working with diverse populations.

 

What qualities make a good Parish Nurse?

A good Parish Nurse has a deep compassion for others, excellent nursing skills, and the ability to provide spiritual support.

They should be approachable, have good problem-solving skills, and be able to work independently.

Also, they should respect the diversity of religious beliefs and practices among parish members.

 

What is the role of a Parish Nurse in the community?

Parish Nurses play a vital role in the community.

They provide healthcare education, perform health screenings, offer spiritual support, and make referrals to healthcare providers.

They also help parish members navigate the healthcare system and advocate for them.

Parish Nurses often organize health-related programs and services within the parish, such as support groups, wellness programs, and health fairs.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a parish nurse.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about providing medical care.

It’s about weaving the fabric of community health, one patient at a time.

Armed with our handy parish nurse job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop here?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to create precise job listings or refining your resume to a tee.

Remember:

Every patient interaction is a part of the larger community.

Let’s build that healthier future. Together.

How to Become a Parish Nurse (Complete Guide)

Job Market Reality: The Careers With the Smallest Paychecks in 2025

Flex-Time Pioneers: Jobs That Are Changing the Work Game

The Work Wreck: The Most Hated Jobs in the Employment Scene

From Wacky to Work: The Weirdest Jobs Out There