West Virginia University Extended Learning and the School of Nursing in partnership with Hospice Care Corporation are offering this workshop to Registered Nurses licensed to practice in the United States.

Computer Requirements

Internet Explorer

Workshops Structure and Schedule

These are non-credit modules offered for 0.25 continuing education units (CEUs) per module.  It is suggested that the student select a minimum of four modules for 10 contact hours or 1.0 continuing education units (CEUs).  Cost is $50 per module.

Prerequisite(s)

• Be a licensed RN in the United States who has completed an IPNRC Basic Parish Nurse Preparation Course.
• Complete the Application Form.

NOTE:  Application is reviewed to make sure that prerequisite(s) have been met.  If accepted, the student will be notified they can proceed to register.

Overview/Subject Matter

Module 1:  Wholistic Health of Children
Description:  Discusses the common issues of health, growth, and development, and spiritual development as it relates to children from approximately 2 to 12 years of age; toddler, preschool, and the school age child.

Pre-Reading:  O’Brien, pages. 57-58, 225-237; Hickman, pages. 56-64.

Module 2: Wholistic Health of Adolescents and Young Adults
Description:  Discusses the common issues of health, growth, and development, and spiritual development as it relates to adolescents and young adults.

Pre-Reading:  O’Brien, pages 58-71, 139-153, 225-237; Hickman, pages 52-64.

Module 3:  Wholistic Health of Middle Adults
Description:  Discusses the common issues of health, growth, and development, and spiritual development as it relates to middle adults.

Pre-Reading:  O’Brien, pages 75 237-246; Hickman, pages 48-50.

Module 4:  Wholistic Health of Older Adults
Description:  Discusses the common issues of health, growth, and development, and spiritual development as it relates to the older adult.

Pre-Reading:  O’Brien, pages 189-214, 235-275, 281-301; Hickman, pages 170-172.

Module 5:  Providing Spiritual Support
Description:  Addresses the spiritual dimension of parish nurse ministry for providing spiritual support.

Pre-Reading:  O’Brien, pages 55-71, 139-153, 290-302.

Module 6:  Sustaining and Nurturing the Parish Nurse Ministry
Description:  Discusses methods of networking and relationship building for the sustainability of a parish nurse ministry.

Pre-Reading:  Hickman, pages 273-287; Solari-Twadell, pages 305-314.

Module 7:  Promoting Mental Wellness
Description:  Discusses mental wellness.  Common myths of mental health conditions are explored.  Selected mental health conditions and symptoms are reviewed.  Appropriate interventions for the parish nurse are examined.

Pre-Reading:  O’Brien, pages 28-29, 203-206, 208; Hickman, pages 150, 330-331.

Module 8:  Process of Theological Reflection in Parish Nursing
Description:  Introduces the participant to a process of discovery of, and thinking about, God’s presence and activity in the events of daily life and the connection that has with one’s faith.

Pre-Reading:  O’Brien, pages 108-125; Hickman 209-221.

Module 9:  End of Life Transitions
Description:  Provides information on spiritual care at the end of life and describes the role of the parish nurse to assist the pastor and congregation to cope with end of life issues.

Pre-Reading:  O’Brien, pages 122-123, 233-237, 282-302, 307-314; Hickman, pages 307-321.

Module 10:  Measuring Parish Nurse Ministry
Description:  Assists the parish nurse to appreciate the importance of measuring the outcomes of parish nurse practice.

Pre-Reading:  O’Brien, pages 343-348; Hickman, pages 11-19, 168-170; Solari-Twadell, pages 96-100, 107, 227-235.

Module 11:  Applying Leadership Skills in Parish Nurse Ministry
Description:  Presents a variety of leadership styles and theories.

Pre-Reading:  Solari-Twadell, pages. 315-326.

Module 12:  Conflict Resolution
Description:  Establishes a framework for understanding conflict and how it affects individuals, families, groups, and faith communities.

Pre-Reading:  Solari-Twadell, pages 242.244.

Module 13:  Parish Nurse Practice in Rural Faith Communities 
Description:  Discusses the unique challenges encountered by parish nurses in rural faith communities.

Pre-Reading:  Hickman, pages 332-333; solari-Twadell, pages 76-79, 269, 286-287, 298-299, 303.

Module 14:  Complementary Therapies in Parish Nursing
Description:  Assists parish nurses in gaining an overview of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).  Non-traditional therapies are discussed including the potential benefits and pitfalls of CAM.  The implications for parish nurses are examined.

Pre-Reading:  Hickman, pages 193-205.

Module 15:  Complementary Therapies in Parish Nursing – Imagery
Description:  Assists parish nurses in gaining an understanding of the complementary therapy of imagery.  The parish nurse will explore therapeutic applications for guided imagery with individuals/groups in a faith community.

Pre-Reading:  O’Brien, pages 181-182; Hickman, pages 193-205.

Module 16:  Complementary Therapies in Parish Nursing – Meditation
Description:  Assists parish nurses in gaining an understanding of the complementary therapy of meditation.  The parish nurse will explore therapeutic applications for meditation with individuals/groups in a faith community.

Pre-Reading:  Hickman, pages 193-205; O’Brien, pages, 257-258.

Module 17:  Identifying Strengths of Congregations:  Tapping into God’s Power
Description:  Identifies and challenges parish nurses to think in terms of congregational strengths and how these strengths can be fostered to meet the needs of the congregation.  Congregational strengths to support the parish nurse ministry are explored.

Pre-Reading:  Solari-Twadell, pages 69-71, 242-249, 330.

Module 18:  Leadership Transitions in Congregations
Description:  Addresses leadership transitions for both the clergy and parish nurse while focusing primarily on issues that affect parish nursing ministry.  Successful transitions involve open communication, strategic planning, prayer and trust that God is leading the way.

Pre-Reading:  Solari-Twadell, pages 103-104, 106, 180-187, 327-331.

Module 19:  Social Justice Role of the Parish Nurse with Vulnerable Populations
Description:  Addresses the social justice and health care concerns of individuals who are poor, socially marginalized or diverse in other ways.  Social and economic disparities are explored.

Pre-Reading:  O’Brien, pages 203-215, 253-264; Hickman, pages 152-154, 323-349; Solari-Twadell, pages 297-303.

Module 20: Caring for Families
Description: This module focuses on families in the faith community. Definitions, types and characteristics of families are explored. Family roles and functions, developmental theories, as well as the family as caregiver are examined. The role of the parish nurse caring for families is discussed.

Pre-Reading: O'Brien. Spirituality in Nursing. Standing on Holy Ground. Pgs. 166-167, 172, 190, 230, 237-246.
Solari-Twadell, McDermott. Parish Nursing. Parish Nursing Development, Education and Administration. Pgs. 73-74, 161.
Hickman. Faith Community Nursing. Pgs. 295-304.

Module 21: Overview of Chronic Illness Management
Description: This module provides a wholistic overview about people and their family living with chronic illness. Key issues about living with chronic illness are discussed as well as coping strategies for the patient and family. The role of the parish nurse is included.

Pre-Reading: O'Brien. Spirituality in Nursing. Standing on Holy Ground. Pgs. 189-223, 264-279.
Hickman. Faith Community Nursing. Pgs. 295-304.

Module 22: Parish Nurses and Emergency Preparedness
Description: This module emphasizes the importance of preparation for unexpected natural or man-made events in order to minimize interruptions to normal daily activities and provides suggestions to prepare individuals, families, and faith communities for disasters. Parish nurse activities during and after a disaster including self-care are also discussed.

Pre-Reading: Solari-Twadell, McDermott. Parish Nursing. Parish Nursing Development, Education and Administration. Pgs. 79-80, 83-92.
Hickman. Faith Community Nursing. Pgs. 147-150.
O'Brien. Spirituality in Nursing. Standing on Holy Ground. Pgs. 359-390.

Module 23: Techniques and Tools for Practice
Description: This module builds on the Getting Started module in the Basic Parish Nurse Preparation Curriculum. Tools and techniques for planning and conducting a meeting and group discussion skills are explored. Additionally, planning a program and public speaking are discussed. Technology for use in presentations is examined.

Pre-Reading: Solari-Twadell, McDermott. Parish Nursing Development, Education and Administration. Chapter 10, pgs. 111-119.

Recommended Reading:

Faith Community Nursing.  Janet S. Hickman.  Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins.  2006. 

Spirituality in Nursing.  Standing on Holy Ground.  Third Ed.  Mary Elizabeth O’Brien. 
Jones and Bartlett Publishers.  2008.

Parish Nursing.  Development, Education and Administration.  Edited by Phyllis Ann Solari-Twadell and Mary Ann McDermott.  Elsevier Mosby Publishers.  2006.

To Register
Once you have completed the application process (see above under Prerequisites), Register online through our secure server or form and fax or mail it to Extended Learning.  Call 1-800-2Learn2, or email WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu if you have any questions.  Major credit cards and electronic checks are accepted.