NPNM Programs

Education

Faith Community Nurse & Health Minister Training

Basic Faith Community Nurse Training — Who can take it? This training is offered to those of any faith tradition who want to develop Health Ministry through their communities of faith.

What is a Faith Community Nurse (FCN)? A FCN is a registered nurse with an active license in the state he/she has or has had a practice, who has taken the Basic Preparation Class For Faith Community Nurses to promote and practice Health Ministry. Whereas most health disciplines are trained in our aspect of medical care, FCNs are trained to nurture the whole person — body, mind and spirit. FCNs work in partnership with pastors, churches, hospitals, social service agencies, and the community. FCNs focus on prevention, wholeness, and wellness. In many communities of faith, the FCN is the Health Ministry team leader.

What is a Health Minister? A Health Minister is a person in the congregation (other than a licensed RN) who has taken the Basic Preparation Class for Faith Community Nurses. His/her individual skills gifts are added to the Health Ministry Team and are often guided by a FCN or Health Ministry team leader. The Health Minister’s skills are assessed and used where most appropriate and helpful. Ministers are encouraged to go through the FCN course to better understand and direct the Health Ministry Team.

What is included in the FCN training? There are 20 modules developed by the International Parish Nurse Resource Center (IPNRC) which are included in the basic course. Faculty trained by IPNRC are responsible for the trainings offered. The following is a list of the required core modules in the basic FCN course:

Core Modules

UNIT I:      SPIRITUALITY

Module 1 – History and Philosophy of Faith Community Nursing

Module 2 – Prayer

Module 3 – Self-Care

Module 4 – Healing and Wholeness

UNIT II:     PROFESSIONALISM

Module 1 – Ethical Issues

Module 2 – Documenting Practice

Module 3 – Legal Aspects

Module 4 – Beginning Your Ministry

Module 5 – Communication and Collaboration

UNIT III:   WHOLISTIC HEALTH

Module 1 – Health Promotion

Module 2 – Transforming Life Issues – Family Violence

Module 3 – Transforming Life Issues – Suffering, Grief and Loss

UNIT IV:   COMMUNITY

Module 1 – Assessment: Individuals, Families and Congregations

Module 2 – Accessing Resources

Module 3 – Advocacy

Module 4 – Care Coordination

Is advanced training offered for FCNs? Yes. There are two levels of continued education training available. The first is Supplemental Training Modules developed by IPNRC. These trainings may be administered singularly or in groups, depending on regional preference. Below is a list of Supplemental Modules administered by IPNRC trained faculty:

Supplemental FCN Modules

Holistic Health of Children
Holistic Health of Adolescents and Young Adults
Holistic Health of Middle Adults
Holistic Health of Older Adults
Providing Spiritual Support
Sustaining and Nurturing the FCN Ministry
Promoting Mental Wellness
Process of Theological Reflection in Faith Community Nursing
End of Life Transitions
Measuring Faith Community Ministry
Applying Leadership Skills in Faith Community Nursing Ministry
Conflict Resolution
Complementary Therapies in Faith Community Nursing: Overview
Complementary Therapies in Faith Community Nursing: Imagery
Complementary Therapies in Faith Community Nursing: Meditation
Tools and Techniques for Teaching
FCNs and Emergency Preparedness
Chronic Illness Management FCN
Practice in Rural Faith Communities
Social Justice Role of the FCN with Vulnerable Populations
Identifying Strengths of Congregations
Leadership Transitions in Congregations
Caring for Families

The next level of training offered is Faith Community Nurse Coordinator. This training is geared toward a licensed RN who will serve as a community leader and guide for FCNs and Health Ministers. They commonly bring the faith communities and community agencies together in health promotion and disease prevention activities and networking. Often FCN Coordinators are employed by Hospital Systems to direct and build the outreach and networking with Faith Community Health Ministry Programs. As with the Basic and Supplemental trainings, this curriculum was developed by IPNRC and faculty trained by IPNRC oversees the course. Below are the modules offered in this course.

FCN Coordinator Modules

Role of the FCN Coordinator / Manager
Accountability
Self-Care for the FCN Coordinator
Working with Different Religious Traditions
Working with Churches
Current Issues in Healthcare
Securing Philanthropic Grant Support
Process of Theological Reflection in FCN Ministry
Human Resource Management Budgeting
Orientation of the New FCN — helping them get started
Documentation
FCN Program Development
Creation of a Mission and Vision
Planning for the Ongoing Development of the FCN: Personally, Professionally, and Spiritually