History of Parish Nursing in the WELS

History of Parish Nursing in the WELS 2009 Summer January 31 The Caregivers Support Program is completed in a rough draft format and shared with parish nurses who expressed interest in reviewing the materials. After that review, the materials are to be modified and presented at the fall Gathering. The summer issue of Parish Nursing Today was mailed to approximately 150 people on the mailing list. The winter Gathering was hosted by the parish nurses at David s Star in Jackson, WI. The guest speaker was Carol Hein, MSN, RN, CMSRN who spoke on the topic of Caregiver Support. The information was valuable and applied directly to the work of the Caregivers Support committee. Reports were also given by Pastor Ziemer on his work at WELS Commission on Special Ministries and from Paul Snamiska on the latest from the Lutheran International Parish Nurse Association. 2008 October 11 Summer Spring January 26 The fall Gathering was held at Faith Lutheran Church in Fond du Lac, WI. This was the first regular Gathering that was hosted by a parish nurse team rather than the CLR staff. The goal is to continue this trend for future Gatherings. The special guest speaker for the meeting was Pastor David Cooper. Pastor Cooper suffered a severe stroke and was not expected to survive. Due to God s grace, Pastor Cooper has recovered and continues a full-time ministry at his church in Slinger, WI. His personal story was moving and beneficial for the parish nurses. There was also a report from Paul Snamiska regarding his involvement with a new group that is trying to network parish nurses from various Lutheran churches throughout the world. The third issue of Parish Nursing Today was a special edition. The newsletter was sent to every WELS/ELS congregation with the intent of educating and promoting parish nursing to those who don t know about it. A second purpose was to identify active parish nurses who were not on the current mailing list. Various articles, ideas, and a FAQ page were included for the benefit of those who didn t know about parish nursing. The second issue of Parish Nursing Today was published. Among the various articles was a story on the ethical perception of nursing. According to a USA Today/Gallup poll, nursing is the profession that ranks #1 in the area of ethics and honesty. This information is valuable for parish nurses who are perceived as trustworthy within their The first issue of Parish Nursing Today was mailed. The newsletter received a new format and was printed in full color. Among the articles was a review of the two newlyformed committees. The winter Gathering was held at the CLR national office. The guest speaker was Chaplain Steve Stern. Pastor Stern works extensively with terminally ill and dying patients. He provided a simple guide that is practical for parish nurses who deal with members who are dying. Pastor Stern also distributed copies of his book to all attendees. During the meeting, two committees were formed. These two committees are titled Caregivers Support and Publications. Nurses volunteered for these committees and were asked to meet in the coming months and then provide periodic reports to the group at future Gatherings. 2007 October 6 The fall Parish Nurse Gathering was held at the CLR national office. There was a presentation on the new parish nurse promotional materials developed by CLR. Samples were given to all attendees. A great deal of time was spent on the topic of

13 July February June January 27 senior day care and other elder-care issues. CLR staff will work on some suggestions and share those at the next Gathering. The third Parish Nursing Today newsletter was published and included a number of suggested fall activities for parish nurses. A new promotional pamphlet was also introduced. This pamphlet, designed by CLR staff, is available on the website as a free download. Another local Parish Nurse event was held at Luther Haven in Milwaukee, WI. The evening included a tour of the Luther Haven facility, dinner, and some discussion among the area parish nurses. This event was beneficial and appreciated by those who attended. Parish nurses provided staffing for the WELS Synod Convention at MLC in New Ulm, Minnesota. The event caused some discussion among the parish nurses because some state licensure regulations prohibit out-of-state nurses from serving at these events. In this case, Wisconsin nurses were not allowed to staff the parish nurse display in Minnesota. The first of three issues of Parish Nursing Today was mailed out. Among the articles was a segment on senior daycare and the need for us to consider this expanding area of possible ministry. The second issue of Parish Nursing Today was distributed. The concept of senior day care was also discussed in this issue, and a request was made for information on related topics. This is a topic to be discussed at the fall Gathering. The newsletter also promoted the revised CLR medical directives. These Power of Attorney for Health Care documents are customized for every state and include a Christian witness. Parish nurses should be familiar with these directives and promote them within their The Parish Nurse Gathering was held at the CLR national office. One of the local parish nurses shared a Home Assessment Form that she developed for her visitation work. This wonderful resource can serve as a tool for parish nurses who get into the homes of their members. The form was provided for each attendee, and CLR placed it on the webpage as well. Parish nurses were encouraged to modify the form and use it for their own work. In addition, a special booklet, titled Parish Nursing and the Christian Support Network was introduced. This valuable resource is valuable in helping congregations evaluate the best application for a parish nurse team. 2006 October 7 28 January 28 A fall Gathering was held at the CLR national office. The agenda included an update from Pastor Carl Ziemer, WELS Administrator for the Commission on Special Ministries. Pastor Ziemer is actively supportive of parish nursing and promotes it through his office. There was also some discussion on the difference between a nurse in the parish and a parish nurse. The primary conclusion was that a parish nurse is part of the congregation s ministry team. A special Parish Nurse Gathering was held at St. Mark, DePere, Wisconsin. The parish nurse at St. Mark made the arrangements and handled the promotion on the local level. CLR staff developed the program for the event. This was a positive step in expanding the reach of these Gatherings. CLR resumed the publication of the Parish Nursing Today newsletter. This newsletter is sent, at no cost, to anyone who wishes to receive it. The newsletter was sent to approximately 140 people. The first Parish Nurse Gathering for 2006 was held at the national office of Christian Life Resources. The Gathering included some role-playing of various scenarios with an emphasis on using the Gospel in those difficult situations. The group also discussed some insurance issues that pertain to parish nursing. A presentation on adoption was given by a representative from Bethany Christian Services. One of the parish nurses arranged with a local screen printer to have polo shirts embroidered with the WELS 2 P a g e

Parish Nurse logo. 2005 Continuous 24 January 29 The parish nursing webpage is continually monitored and updated. Parish nurses have regularly staffed a parish nurse display at various conventions (WELS Synod Convention, District Conventions, OWLS Conventions, etc.) The second Parish Nurse Gathering for the year was again held at the Christian Life Resources national office. The main speaker was Prof. Lawrence Olson, Director of Staff Ministry at Martin Luther College. Parish nurses in WELS had asked for some special training that addresses their role in the parish. Dr. Olson offered the possibility of the Congregational Evangelist Program as an option. There was a great amount of discussion regarding the program, and some nurses indicated a desire to enroll. Semi-annual Parish Nurse Gathering was held at the Christian Life Resources national office. Main speaker was Kathie Wendland who spoke on The Role of Humanitarian Aide as it relates to parish nursing. The attendees provided a collective list of activity ideas that could be used, especially by new parish nurses starting a ministry in their 2004 15 June 5 Continuous January 24 Mailing sent out to entire mailing list which includes an update, history of Parish Nursing in the WELS, and a brief survey. Summer gathering is cancelled due to lack of registrations. Christian Life Resources adds a Parish Nursing Today column in its bi-monthly magazine, Clearly Caring. For budgetary reasons, the Parish Nursing Today newsletter is put on hold. Winter gathering was held at CLR national office with 19 people in attendance. A great deal of time was given to sharing, and some practical ideas were provided for the group. A review was provided that looked at the goals from the first gathering and the accomplishments over those 16 months from 2002 until January 2004. Among the stated goals, we addressed the following: provided guidelines for starting a parish nursing program, provided spiritual training, addressed some legal issues, improved networking opportunities, and promoted parish nursing among WELS pastors. Among the stated goals, we still need to address the following: budget issues, space constraints, and general PR for parish nursing. 2003 Continuous Christian Life Resources sent out Parish Nursing Today newsletters three times in 2003 (spring, summer, fall editions) which focused on sharing information and ideas for local parish nurses. June 7 January 26 Summer gathering was held at the CLR national office with 30 people in attendance. Linda Golembiewski gave a presentation on legal issues and the parish nursing practice. Rather than an upcoming fall gathering, it was decided to focus on the CLR Medical Ethics Seminar as an event to attend. Second Parish Nurse gathering is held at the CLR national office with 26 people in attendance. Much sharing was done, which was followed by a joint presentation by Pastor Carl Ziemer (WELS Administrator for the Commission on Special Ministries) and Pastor Randy Ott (Chairman of the WELS Committee on Ministry to the Aging). Those presentations were subsequently added to the parish nursing webpage as a resource. 3 P a g e

2002 December 14 July 10 March 22 A webpage dedicated to parish nursing is completed and added to the Christian Life Resources website. The parish nurse website is prepared for launch in January. First Parish Nurse gathering is held with an attendance of 18 people. Discussion centered on topics like the role of parish nursing in the WELS, mission and vision for parish nursing, and the potential future of more gatherings. Letter of invitation goes out for the first Parish Nurse gathering to be held at Christian Life Resources in. First Parish Nursing Today newsletter was sent out to approximately 400 people who have been identified as nurses or expressed interest in parish nursing. 2001 August Various Dates Parish Nurse survey was sent out to those on a mailing list that had been compiled by WELS Lutherans for Life / Christian Life Resources. We received 14 surveys back which shared a number of ideas and concerns. Renewed efforts were committed to organizing the materials and resources into practical aides for parish nurses in the WELS. Among the needs of WELS parish nurses were the following: recognition, support, encouragement, spiritual training, and networking. Parish Nursing in the WELS: Suggested Guidelines is published and distributed. 2000 Various Dates February 25 Committee members meet to complete their work. Little follow-up work was accomplished on the committee level, but nurses were working to establish programs in their local A meeting was held to refocus on the work of the committee and whether it should continue, re-organize, or disband. The decision was to add some different members, and with the renewed leadership of WELS Lutherans for Life, continue its work. 1999 May 28 January 7 Sent a notice to cancel the scheduled meeting on June 12. WELS Lutherans for Life is focused on a shepherding ministry program so the parish nurse committee would be put on hold until early 2000. A newsletter was sent to those on the mailing list that reported briefly on the update from the five committees. Much work was still needed to be done. 1998 August 10 A second meeting was held which established subcommittees and responsibilities. The five areas of concentration were: Parish Nurse Job Description and Guidelines Certification and Spiritual Training Parish Nurse Resource Center Establishment of a Health Ministries Program Integration of Health Ministries into Congregations July 9 First parish nurse committee meeting was held at the offices of WELS Lutherans for 4 P a g e

June 15 Life. Those attending the initial meeting discussed the purpose and objectives of the committee and the organizational structure. First investigational meeting held at Wisconsin Lutheran College. Thirty-two people attending with representation from various Synodical and para-synodical agencies. It was agreed at that meeting that WELS Lutherans for Life would establish a committee to investigate the concept of parish nursing in WELS. 5 P a g e