AHA Center for Health Innovation Market Scan
Cape Regional Health System – Parish Nursing Program at Cape Regional
Parish Nursing is the nurturing of body, mind and spirit with an emphasis on health education, health promotion and wellness. Parish Nurses are volunteers who reach out to people in their congregations and in the community by serving as teachers, counselors, advocates and resource liaisons. Free health screenings include blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, peripheral artery disease and fracture risk testing and are provided at community agencies, senior housing complexes, assisted living facilities and civic associations, as well as at area churches. The Parish Nurse Program at Cape Regional includes Parish Nursing; Caregiver Education and Support Program; “Project Healthy Bones,” an Education & Exercise Program; “A Matter of Balance:” Managing Concerns about Falling; “Take Control of Your Health” Chronic Disease Self-Management Course; “Faithful Families – Eating Smart and Moving More”; and an Early-Stage Alzheimer’s program.
What is it?
Parish Nursing is the nurturing of body, mind and spirit with an emphasis on health education, health promotion and wellness. Parish Nurses are volunteers who reach out to people in their congregations and in the community by serving as teachers, counselors, advocates and resource liaisons. Free health screenings include blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, peripheral artery disease and fracture risk testing and are provided at community agencies, senior housing complexes, assisted living facilities and civic associations, as well as at area churches. The Parish Nurse Program at Cape Regional includes Parish Nursing; Caregiver Education and Support Program; “Project Healthy Bones,” an Education & Exercise Program; “A Matter of Balance:” Managing Concerns about Falling; “Take Control of Your Health” Chronic Disease Self-Management Course; “Faithful Families – Eating Smart and Moving More”; and an Early-Stage Alzheimer’s program.
Who is it for?
Cape May County residents who participate in structured church activities make up approximately 78 percent of the county’s population. Other community members are invited to participate in screenings, education programs and support groups.
Why do they do it?
The Parish Nurse Program focuses on the spiritual, emotional and physical dimensions of persons as they strive to achieve wellness and manage their illnesses. The program develops a practice in response to the unique needs and priorities of a congregation and its members across the life span.
Impact
In 2015, the Parish Nurse Program at Cape Regional Medical Center screened 4,000+ blood pressures; 1,500+ blood sugar levels; 1,500+ cholesterol levels; 500+ for fracture risk; and 300+ for peripheral artery disease. The department’s total number of persons served in 2015 in Cape May County through education classes and screenings was 13,769; there were 1,506 volunteer hours put in by Parish Nurses for these various programs throughout the county.
Contact: Bonnie Kratzer
Parish Nurse/Lifestyle Management Coordinator
Telephone: 609-463-4043
Email: jkratzer@caperegional.com
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