Parish Nursing Program
"Parish Nursing is the essence of holistic nursing care. It is the practice of caring for the spirit, mind and body. It puts the art back into the 'Art and Science' of nursing."
Jean Deliganis, Ph.D., R.N., Coordinator
Parish Nursing Program
Telephone: (210) 224-7122
E-Mail: deligani@uiwtx.edu
What is Parish Nursing?
SPJ/UIW Health Ministry - taking a parishioner's blood pressure
Parish Nursing is the practice of nursing utilizing the faith community as a practice setting. It is nursing based on holistic care of the person and is primarily focused on health promotion and disease prevention. The functions included in the practice of parish nursing are: integrator of faith and health, health educator, personal health counselor, referral agent, trainer of volunteers, developer of support groups, and health advocate.
Parish nursing is carried out by the professional registered nurse. It does not use the medical model of care, therefore, parish nurses do not perform invasive procedures such as maintenance of intravenous products, blood drawing and medical treatments.
Parish nurses practice in all parts of the United States as well as various countries around the world. Faith communities of many denominations have parish nurses practicing within their communities.
Parish Nursing at UIW
The Parish Nursing Program at UIW is a weeklong course. It is open to registered nurses of all faiths. At the end of the course, participants receive a certificate of completion.
Participants must attend the entire program. Applicants are encouraged to register for the program at a later time if attendance at the entire program is not possible.
The Curriculum
The Parish Nursing Program at UIW utilizes the curriculum, developed by the International Parish Nurse Resource Center, in collaboration with the American Nurses Association.
A sample of topics:
History and philosophy of Parish Nursing
Functions of the Parish Nurse
Prayer and Worship Leadership
Accountability and Documentation
Legal Considerations for Parish Nursing
Ethics in Parish Nursing
And many more
Fees and Continuing Education Credit
Nurse receiving her certificate in Parish Nursing Program
The cost of the program is $450.00 and is inclusive of materials and resources for all sessions, daily continental breakfasts and lunches. Refunds will be issued, if requested two weeks in advance of the program for which you are registered.
Forty contact hours will be awarded for full participation in the program. The UIW School of Nursing and Health Professions is approved as a provider of continuing education in nursing by the Texas Nurses Association, which is accredited as an approver of continuing education in nursing by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
Accomodations
Housing is available at the UIW International Conference Center, located on campus at the University. A block of rooms will be made available for the Parish Nursing Program participants.
Reservations can be made directly with the International Conference Center at: (210) 829-6026.
Please reserve early as reservations are on a first come basis. Single occupancy is $25/night.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Parish Nursing Program requires:
A License to practice as a Registered Nurse.
Two years of nursing practice.
Two letters of professional reference.
Completion of the application form.
Faculty
Jean Deliganis, Ph.D. R.N., a member of the nursing faculty at the University of the Incarnate Word for 19 years, serves as the Coordinator of the Parish Nursing Program. She has been involved in the education of parish nurses for several years and has completed the faculty preparation course for the curriculum developed in cooperation with the International Parish Nurse Resource Center.
In addition, other expert faculty will present during the weeklong program.
Registering
The application form is available online. (Adobe Acrobat PDF)
Submit the completed application form, payment, and two letters of recommendation to:
Dr. Jean Deliganis
University of the Incarnate Word
School of Nursing and Health Professions
4301 Broadway, Box 300
San Antonio, TX 78209
Notification of acceptance will be made within ten days of receipt of the above materials.
Registrations are not accepted at the door. Please register early as enrollment is limited.
* Dr. Jean Deliganis can be contacted at:
(210) 224-7122 or by e-mail at: deligani@uiwtx.edu
