Parish Nursing Ministry

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Since 1991, Concordia College has prepared nearly 1,800 nurses to serve in faith communities across the country.

As faith community nurses (or parish nurses), these professionals are called and committed to the healing ministry of the church, helping meet the emotional, physical and spiritual needs of the members. This ministry is grounded in the tradition of the church, “to preach the kingdom of God and to heal” (Luke 9:2). The faith community nurse program within a congregation also recognizes that the ministry of the church community is to proclaim God's desire that we strive toward an abundant, healthful life.

Concordia’s Parish Nurse Ministry program offers foundations courses (educational preparation programs) at select times in the year. Faith communities are encouraged to sponsor nurses by providing funding for the foundations course.

PRINT | June 2023 Foundations Course Overview
PRINT | Frequently Asked Questions
PRINT | Steps to Develop an Effective Faith Community Nurse / Parish Nurse Program
PRINT | Supplemental Supply List (supplies may be purchased at any time)

About the course from past participants...

Excellent, amazing, fulfilling week of learning, collaborating and fellowship.

This is one of my favorite educational nursing opportunities in my entire career – it was life-giving and fulfilling: full of wonderful information, guidance, support, and resources.

Huge thank you for your dedication to this ministry, your churches, communities -- to so many who are vulnerable. Thank you for the generous gift of your knowledge, experience, expertise, wisdom, and ministry.

I liked the different presenters. Interesting stories told.

Totally enjoyed the class – have so much to review with the information and resources and that is amazing! I am excited to use these sources and feel I am doing the job better.

Program Director's Note

Greetings from the Concordia College Parish Nurse Ministry Program!

It is my pleasure to welcome you to our website.  This is the time of year in which we reflect on all the gifts that God has provided – blessings of friendship and community, health, and the beauty of nature. Soon we will be celebrating the most awesome wonderful gift of the Christ child. May you find time throughout the hustle and bustle of this season to sit quietly surrounded by God’s gifts. 

We will be hosting our next Faith Community Nursing Foundations course at First Lutheran Church, 619 Broadway, Fargo, ND. The dates are set for June 5-9 of 2023. Please see the registration link on the website. Please prayerfully consider attending a foundations course and/or share the program information with your nursing colleagues. Our friends and program alumni are a vital part of program referral.

For those of you living near the Fargo/Moorhead area, we started a chapter of Nurses Christian Fellowship. The kick-off meeting was held at First Lutheran Church in September. At present, we are looking to a change in meeting date/time. For more information, please email me at bokinski@cord.edu. We have a Facebook presence (Nurses Christian Fellowship Fargo-Moorhead) and will be posting updates of the schedule. We are excited to have a local chapter to spend time in networking and devotions.

And finally, please let me know if one of our colleagues has passed away so we can share their tribute. The easiest way to reach me is through e-mail at bokinski@cord.edu.

Blessings,

Dr. Jean Bokinskie, PhD, RN
Director, Parish Nurse Ministry Program
Emeritus-in-Residence, Nursing

2023 Foundations Course Information

Dates | June 5-9, 2023
Times | Contact time varies daily to meet the 36.5 hour requirement. More information will be provided by the program director.
Location |
First Lutheran Church
619 Broadway
Fargo, ND 58102
Location on Google Maps
Lodging is not available on site, but there are hotels nearby.

Cost | $450

The cost includes a full week of instruction, participant workbook and practice standards ($100 value), and a binder of program materials. The cost also includes refreshments and some meals for the week.

Deadline for registration and submission of reference letter-May 26, 2023

Churches are encouraged to sponsor nurses and provide the program fee. A scholarship may be available to those who are not sponsored by a faith community. Please contact Dr. Bokinskie for more information. 

A letter of reference from a colleague or a member of your clergy must also be submitted via email to the program director by May 26, 2023.

Payment may be made by check or credit card. Participants must register using the link below regardless of payment method. If you wish to pay by check, enter the coupon code PNMCHECK at checkout. Registration and full payment must be received by the May 26 deadline in order to be fully processed and complete.

Please make checks payable to Parish Nursing Ministry Program and send to:

Parish Nursing Ministry Program
Concordia College
901 8th St S
Moorhead, MN 56562

During registration you will need the following information:

• RN License Number/ State
  

• RN License Status

• Church or Faith Community Name

• Church or Faith Community Address

• Affiliated Denomination

Refund Policy | If you register for the course and are unable to attend, please contact bokinski@cord.edu for cancellation fees.