Parish Nursing is an emerging area of specialized nursing practice that seeks to integrate spiritually with health. Parish nursing holds the spiritual dimension to be central to the practice, but also includes the physical, psychological and social dimensions of nursing practice.
Historically Parish Nursing is rooted in the early work of deaconesses, religious orders and the nursing profession itself, who promoted health from a whole person perspective. The Church's rightful ministry of healing is grounded in the example and teaching of Christ. The focus of practice is the faith community and its ministry. The parish nurse works alongside the ministers and staff to promote the church as a place of health and healing.
Parish Nursing services are designed to build on and strengthen abilities of individuals, families and the congregation to understand and care for one another which flows out of their relationship to God, faith traditions and the broader society. The practice holds that all persons are sacred and should be treated with respect and dignity.
Heather Hetherington is a Registered Nurse with current registration in the College of Nurses of Ontario and the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario. She is a member of the Canadian Association of Parish Nursing Ministry and has completed a Parish Nurse course at McMaster Divinity College. She is a member of Yorkminster Park Baptist Church and has many years experience as a nurse educator.
The Parrish Nurse can be contacted through the church office, (416) 922-1167 ext 245, and by .
