Parish nursing ministry fills a need

GALVESTON — One does not, as a rule, invite a helicopter to Mass.

Holy Family Parish head Father E.J. Stein made an exception when leading evening services in Jamaica Beach in July this year.

“We were in the liturgy of the word and I noticed a commotion,” he said. “An older gentleman, probably in his 70s, had slumped over on his granddaughter and then he fell to the floor. People started screaming and panicking.”

Thankfully, Stein’s congregation had not only a number of health professionals in it, but also some volunteers with the parish nursing ministry.

As the priest went to find holy oils in case last rites were needed, some of his parishioners helped the fallen man, while others attended the family, calmed the crowd and ran to the fire station across the street.

Hence the helicopter, which quickly arrived and transported the ailing patient to the hospital where things appear to have turned out well. Father Stein had no need for the special oils that night.

“Mass was not the most important thing right then,” Stein said. “I did see the man later in the hospital, and I think things turned out fine for him.”

Kay Sandor, a professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch School of Nursing, wasn’t in Jamaica Beach that night, but she does assist Stein as one of the pioneers in a local application of the international movement known as parish nursing.

“Many religious traditions have ministries to care for the sick, the dying and the grieving,” she said. “This is one way to offer service to our faith family. Our Parish Health Ministry has joined forces and conducted a needs assessment of the entire parish.”

Sandor said a wide variety of health professionals were part of the program.

“Anyone in the health professions is invited to volunteer,” she said. “Physical therapists, occupational therapists, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, nutritionists and pharmacists are all invited to join.”

The ministry is attempting to put automated external defibrillator units in each of the parish’s buildings. These computerized CPR units allow nonmedical personnel to assist heart attack victims.

The medical branch’s assistant professor Bonnie K. Webster also is part of this Galveston effort.

“Our ministry was formed to address overall health care needs,” she said. “It is not meant to be a nursing service to families, but to be a resource that focuses on health promotion and health education. To that end, we put on health fairs and also offer occasional blood pressure screenings at Mass.”

Holy Family was an early local adopter, but Maureen Daniels, director the International Parish Nurse Resource Center, said all faith traditions are welcome to participate.

“My pastor doesn’t have time or knowledge to do it all,” she said. “These days, families are often in other cities, and resources are more limited today than five years ago.”

Parish nurses also can teach the community about diabetes, disaster preparation, how to help your children facing bullies, and how to regain your hope in yourself, God and others.

Catholics interested in assisting can contact the Holy Family office at 409-762-9646. Those of other faith traditions can call the International Parish Nurse Resource Center at 314-346-6532 or 901-272-0010, Ext. 1630.

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Facts About Parish Nursing

• There are between 11,000 and 12,000 parish nurses serving in all 50 states and at least 25 foreign countries.

• Parish nurses serve in many different Christian denominations. They also are known as faith community nurses in Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

• Parish nurses have several roles — as health adviser, health educator, advocate and liaison to resources, coordinator of volunteers and support groups, and healer of body, mind and spirit.

SOURCE: The International Parish Nurse Resource Center