It seems forever since I posted a bulletin article! This summer was a busy one for me and my family. We sold our house in Westfield after living there for 25 years and moved to an apartment in Cranford. This decision took several years to make and “who knew” it would be in the midst of a pandemic. The transition was not an easy one and this only added to the physical and emotional stress we were about to face. What I learned from all this, is that change is not always easy, but it can be positive one.
I recently revisited a book I read many years ago, “Who Moved the Cheese”. It’s a simple parable about change and truths and how one can deal with change. One of the excerpts I found to be so true: “No reason to fear the unknown, because the unknown may be better than you could have ever imagined.” All of us have been faced with so many unknowns this year and it's hard to believe it can be good but maybe, just maybe, it can!
2020 has been a most challenging one for all of us and has brought on realities for many that we were never prepared to handle. There have been a cascading series of events that have additionally bombarded us on a national level adding to the pandemic. There is a light at the end of this tunnel and 2020 is coming to its final quarter. Let’s continue to be smart and adhere to the recommended CDC guidelines and continue to bring some normalcy to our lives.
Hard to believe the parish nurse program began just about a year ago at Holy Trinity. It was a vision of Father Anthony’s and with the help of a newly formed health cabinet, it became a reality. I was honored to have been chosen to develop the program. My first mission was to explain what a parish nurse does and what is involved with a parish nurse program.
A bit of history: Parish Nursing, also called Faith Community Nursing, is a concept that emerged back in the mid 80’s and originated with Dr Granger Westberg in Illinois. His model makes the nurse the bridge between the church, the hospital and community. Historically, churches have always had a role in caring for the sick and needy so linking church and community together to address modern healthcare made perfect sense. Although it is a popular concept in the Midwest, there are few parish nurse programs here on the east coast and actually there were none in Union County!
So, what do I do as a parish nurse? It is non-invasive delivery of holistic care incorporating mind, body and spirit. A parish nurse offers spiritual support and guidance, not counseling. The role is multi-faceted and involves acting as an educator, a referral source and guiding people to take ownership of their own health. This is the fundamental core of parish nursing: mind + body= spirit. The essence of holistic care.
How does it work? A referral is called into the parish by Father Anthony, Deacon Tom or Deacon Keith, a family member or fellow parishioner. I will then meet with the parishioner and a nursing assessment of needs is done followed by a plan of care. The plan may involve interventions such as educating, referral to an outside agency, chaplain services, and providing emotional, physical or spiritual support.
I look forward to the 2nd year of developing the program. I hope to offer more educational programs (even if through zoom!), informative and useful workshops and can’t wait to restart my home visitations. It is my pleasure getting to know the community of Holy Trinity and continuing my ministry as parish nurse.
How to reach me:
Lori Arena RN
Office: 908-588-7303
Cell: 908-347-7414
E-mail: [email protected]
Stay well and God bless…