Hi, I’m Phyllis Bruce, Good Shepherd's Parish Nurse

Here’s a little about my background. I have a Master of Arts focusing on Education from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul. My undergraduate education was at North Park University and Swedish Covenant Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago, Illinois. I have enjoyed teaching nursing at the College of St. Catherine, Minneapolis Campus and Fairview Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing. My clinical work has been in the area of Intensive care, coronary care and adult medical-surgical nursing.

Parish Nursing is like being a Community Health Nurse, but my community is Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd. I have been a Parish Nurse at Good Shepherd for 2 years now. This is a wonderfully affirming and supportive congregation. It is a joy every day to work with the wonderful staff and serve the great people here at Good Shepherd
A parish nurse fills many different roles in the congregation. Please continue reading for further information about Parish Nursing

What is a Parish Nurse?
A parish nurse is an experienced registered nurse who focuses on spiritual, emotional and physical wellness. She has additional education in parish nursing and is committed to the caring and healing ministry of the church. Her work is in partnership with the pastors, Health Ministry Committee, other ministries and volunteers who share their time and talents.
Parish nursing does not provide hands-on nursing care. It is not a substitute for pastoral care, medical care,, community health nursing or social agencies, but rather works in partnership with these agencies.

What does a Parish Nurse Do?
The five basic roles of a Parish Nurse are:

1. Health Educator
* Promotes an understanding of the relationship between lifestyle, attitudes, faith and well-being for all age groups.
* Uses a variety of formats - classes, screenings, newsletters - which focus on promoting healthy self-care integrating spiritual, emotional and physical wellness.

2. Personal Health Counselor
* Discusses health concerns with parishioners
* Makes home, hospital and nursing home visits as needed.

3. Referral Source
* Assists in locating appropriate community health services

4. Coordinator of Volunteers
* Facilitates volunteer activities that promote the caring ministry of the church.
* Develops support groups as needed.

5.Relationship Builder Between the Faith and Health and Healing Relationship
* In all activities, provides the spiritual dimension of caring.
* Seeks to promote an understanding that even in the presence of physical illness it is possible to experience a sense of healing and wholeness.
* Provides prayerful presence and comfort during times of need.

Historically, how has the church been involved in health care?
The church has been an essential part of healing and caring for people by establishing the first hospitals, hospices and long-term care facilities. Over time, the church stepped out of this role and healing became the task of medical professionals and clinical institutions. It has been recognized that technology and medical treatment, by themselves, cannot provide everything that is needed for health and healing. People of faith are reaffirming their call by God to minister to one another and have realized that good health is more than just the physical - it encompasses the wellness of the body, mind and spirit.

Work Schedule (Times will vary from week to week)
I will usually be at church on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
I am also at Good Shepherd at least one Sunday a month, usually on the third Sunday, which is Blood Pressure Screening.

I’ll be happy to meet with you if you just stop by, but it’s a good idea to call first to be sure I’m at the church and not out on a visit. I can check your blood pressure if you missed the Sunday screening time, discuss your personal or family related health concerns related to physical, emotional and/or spiritual aspects, help with referrals to community resources and provide a caring, listening presence. Often it is difficult to get through to your health care provider, or else you are not sure you should bother the busy nurse or doctor about your concerns. As Parish Nurse I am able to take time to listen, answer questions and provide guidance about the need to call or see your doctor. Taking care of little concerns before they become more significant is the key to staying healthy. This area of health promotion is where the Parish Nurse and Health Ministry Committee can have the biggest impact on your health.

OUR MISSION: Thoughtful Faith. Passionate Action. Grace for the Journey.