Public Health and Community Nursing Commons^™

Community Health Nursing And The Spiritual Domain: Clinical Rotations In Faith-Based Residential Communities For Prelicensure Nursing Students, Paulette D. Slowinski, Amy Sweeney

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Contextualized spiritual education in undergraduate nursing programs is often limited. Community-based clinical rotations present an opportunity to introduce nursing students to professional practice in faith-based communities. Junior and senior undergraduate nursing students from a state university worked with the wellness nurses at a residential community for older adults funded by the county Catholic diocese. In this unique environment, students participated in nursing care focusing on health promotion and disease prevention and management. This learning opportunity allowed students to have meaningful interactions with residents while gaining insight into faith-based nursing practice and the value of spiritually focused care for vulnerable populations.

Faith Community Nursing: Home Care Delivery Model, Deborah J. Ziebarth

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Faith community nurses (FCNs) perform home visits as part of their scope of practice. The FCN does home visits based solely on the assessed needs of patients, regardless of insurance or prescriber orders. A historical review describes the practice gap leading to the development of the Faith Community Nursing: Home Care Delivery Model provided in the booklet: Visitation Guidelines for Faith Community Nurses. Through a review of literature, alignment, and diagram, key components are defined. A wholistic screening exemplary (Congestive Heart Failure) is shared. The model’s key components are screening/assessment for specific disease risk (pre-diagnosed and diagnosed), education (patient and …

Evaluating The Effect Of A Rest Team Tea Cart On Nurse-Reported Comfort, Healing, And Empathy, Danielle A. Lisiecki Edd, Msn, Rn, Barbara A. Kilbride Ms, Bsn, Rn

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Abstract

In response to the increasing emotional and physical demands placed on healthcare professionals, a not-for-profit health system in Southwest Florida implemented a wellness initiative, focusing on the intentional care of the spirit through its Spiritual Services, Resilience Education Support Team (REST), and its area Faith Community Nurses (FCN), called the REST Tea Cart service. Initially, the REST Tea Cart was designed to promote emotional well-being by providing staff members with complimentary tea, cookies, and inspirational note cards, aiming to create moments of peace and respite during the workday. It would grow much more, expanding beyond the hospital’s walls and …

Conservative Anabaptists Descriptions Of Delay, Comfort In Connectedness, And Ease In Cultural Tension When Seeking And Responding To Healthcare, Matthew D. Hottle

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Introduction: Conservative Anabaptists are a large ethnic religious population that continues to grow in the United States. These groups are known to experience adverse health-related outcomes. Therefore, the concept of transcending health values has been developed to better understand how conservative anabaptists describe seeking and responding to healthcare. The purpose of this study is to (1) gather empirical evidence about the concept of transcending health values and (2) use the evidence to contribute to the body of knowledge of nursing.

Method: The study used qualitative-directed content analysis guided by the core qualities of transcending health values: delay in health-seeking behaviors, …

Practice Matters: Measles, Maria E. Main, Melissa K. Travelsted, Maire M. Blankenship

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Measles has re-emerged as a significant public health concern, with an estimated 10.3 million global cases and more than 100,000 deaths in 2023, primarily among young children. In the United States, measles incidence has risen sharply due to declining vaccination rates and increased international travel, resulting in a growing number of locally transmitted outbreaks. Faith community nurses, who play key roles in health education, advocacy, and illness prevention, are uniquely positioned to support community-level efforts that reduce measles transmission. This article addresses key aspects of measles epidemiology, clinical presentation, and complications, emphasizing the virus’s high communicability and potential for severe …

Faith Community Nursing: Ministering To God's People In Ukraine Through Lamentation, Pam Dandre

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

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Faith Community Nursing Case Study: Share Grant Procurement During The Covid-19 Epidemic, Deborah J. Ziebarth, Deborah Fell-Carlson, Marcy Shanks

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

A group of faith community nurses (FCNs) in rural Oregon joined together to form the Faith Community Health Network (FCHN). They applied for and received a grant to provide care coordination services to the residents of Lebanon and the greater Linn County. This case study is used to present the FCHN’s journey from coalition to a funded non-profit during the COVID-19 pandemic and the grant, “Rebuilding the Bridge Between Healthcare and Faith Communities” they received from the Intercommunity Health Network Coordinated Care Organization. The grant’s intent was to support the FCNs to expand their network, document electronically, and provide care …

The Effect Of The Covid Pandemic On Parish Nursing In The Uk, Helen Wordsworth

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

This article describes the impact that the Covid pandemic of 2020/2021 had on the work of UK Parish Nurses and the churches with which they worked. It explains how they adapted to the restrictions imposed by the government, changing the nature of the interventions they were able to make. It concludes that the resilience, flexibility, and creativity of the Parish nurses and of their national umbrella organisation, Parish Nursing Ministries UK, have enabled the emergence of a growing and vibrant ministry.

The Impact Of Covid-19 On Parish Nursing In Germany, Phyllis A. Solari-Twadell Phd, Mpa, Rn, Faan, Angela Glaser

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020/2021 had an impact globally on churches and the ministry of Parish Nurses. This article presents a brief historical overview of Germany, the uniqueness of the church in Germany, and parish nursing in Germany which is called vis-a- vis. The ministry of parish nursing in Germany is considered in light of the impact on the nursing profession and the demands created by COVID-19 within German society and the church in Germany.

Creating A Best Practice Model For Reopening Parish Nurse Sites Post-Pandemic, Mary Lynne Knighten Dnp, Rn, Nea-Bc

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic brought many changes to the healthcare delivery system. Parish nurses, faith community nurses, and congregational nurses found their practice frequently adapting to comply with government issued restrictions and the changing needs of the community. QueensCare Health & Faith Partnership (QHFP), a parish nurse program which is part of QueensCare, a non-profit public benefit corporation, and St. Dominic Catholic Church in Los Angeles, California designed a replicable model for safely reopening parish nurse sites. QHFP provides supportive healthcare services and case management services at no charge to underserved and vulnerable populations in cooperation with numerous churches, temples, …

Guest Editorial, Phyllis Ann Solari-Twadell Phd, Rn, Mpa, Faan

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

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Competency-Based Nursing Education And The Future Of Nursing: Where The Faith Community Nurse Fits In, Mary Lynne Knighten Dnp, Rn, Nea-Bc

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Abstract

Two significant nursing landmark reports published in 2021 are enhancing standards and providing guidance for nursing education and practice. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials: Core Competencies of Professional Nursing Education (2021) provides a blueprint for educationally and experientially preparing nurses for practice. The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity report defines issues such as health disparities and inequities, with recommendations for the role nurses should play in making change to improve the health of the nation.

This paper seeks to explore the intersections of these two reports with the specialty …

Practice Matters: Hypertension, Maire M. Blankenship

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Hypertension remains a significant public health concern in the United States, affecting over 110 million adults, nearly half of the adult population. As a major contributor to cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, hypertension accounts for a large number of deaths annually. Many individuals with hypertension remain undiagnosed and undertreated, leading to increased healthcare costs. Recognizing the importance of addressing this widespread issue, the healthcare community, including Faith Community Nurses (FCNs), has played an essential role in the prevention and management of hypertension. While pharmacological interventions are common, lifestyle changes have demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing blood pressure and …

Nurses Addressing The Knowledge Gap In Advance Care Planning, Stephanie Winkel, Elaine B. Harwood

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Background: Advance care planning allows people autonomy about values and preferences related to care at the EOL. Engaging in advance care planning enables one to consider decisions about medical treatment at the EOL and informing significant others, including health care providers, about preferences (National Institute on Aging [NIA], 2018).

Methods: In this QI project, the intervention will be a one-time ZOOM^® meeting between nurse leaders and participating church members. The nurse leader will present the 5 Wishes curriculum and lead a question-and-answer portion at the end of the ZOOM^® meeting. Participants will be asked to complete a short …

Program Evaluation Of Faith Community Nursing Cardiovascular Education Intervention, Jennifer Cummings

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Many cardiovascular risk factors are modifiable. Community engagement by Faith Community Nurses in church settings can help patients reduce risk.

Problem/Purpose: Faith Community Nurses at a Philadelphia church identified a need for cardiovascular lifestyle risk modification education and planned this as the inaugural topic of its new health outreach program. The project purpose was to evaluate effectiveness of the program in increasing knowledge of cardiovascular risk modification, increasing level of readiness to make self-identified lifestyle changes, and to evaluate the program format as a potential model …

Advance Care Planning In Faith Communities: A Quality Improvement Project, Lorie Hacker, Jan Gaddis, Jessica Grimm, Catherine Chung

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

This quality improvement project examined the impact of providing an advance care planning training tool to faith community nurses in the community setting on advance care planning knowledge, self-efficacy, and implementation of advance care planning outreach and advance directive completion. The pre- and post-intervention frequencies measure and paired-t test survey design resulted in clinically significant improvements in knowledge, and self-efficacy of advance care planning among faith community nurses. A fifty-fold increase was seen in advance care planning outreach activities among the group from pre- to post-intervention. The limitations of the project included small sample size and short implementation timing. However, …

Technology For Faith Community Nursing Practice, Katrina Goodrich

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Technology is an ever-expanding tool that can be utilized by Faith Community Nurses to enhance their practice. Technology offers options for organizing and promoting services, collaborating with others on an international level, education of both the Faith Community Nurse and their clientele, and multiple instruments for tracking and managing wellness plans.

The Impact Of Faith Community Nursing Programs For Chronic Disease Screening And Management In Vulnerable Populations: A Comprehensive Review Of The Literature, Gabri Warren

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Faith Community Nursing (FCN) programs in the United States (U.S.) emerged in the 1980's; however, the intertwining of health promotion in religious institutions has been present for millennia. Today, challenges facing healthcare are prompting health care providers to find creative and cost-effective methods of providing care. Determining whether FCN positively impacts the health of individuals with limited access to healthcare services would encourage healthcare providers to collaborate with the specialty, reinforcing the benefit of their service. An integrative literature review was conducted to identify studies measuring the impact of FCN on the health outcomes of individuals with hypertension (Baig, Mangione, …

The Effects Of A Faith-Based Diabetes Program For African Americans, Pandora Goode

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to pilot test the effectiveness of a diabetes self-management program for African Americans with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) in a group format in a faith-based setting. The rationale for the study was to create appropriate diabetes education in response to the growing diabetes prevalence among African Americans. The investigator hypothesized that after completing a 12-week program, participants would have improved diabetes knowledge, self-management practices, hemoglobin A1C, and an increase in self-efficacy. By reaching these goals, this program would contribute to one of the Healthy People 2020 objectives of increasing the proportion of …

Flu And Pneumonia Coverage Of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, And/Or Transgender Individuals, Brandi W. Fruin, Cathy H. Abell, Maria E. Main

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Abstract

Background: Population health is important in examining health outcomes of specific groups. The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community is a vulnerable population continuing to endure health disparities.

Purpose: The purpose of this part of a larger study was to examine the self-reported flu/pneumonia coverage in individuals self-identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender

Methodology: A purposeful sample and select items from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey were utilized.

Findings: Findings included almost half of respondents indicating obtaining a flu shot or vaccine and approximately one-fourth of the respondents reported receiving a pneumonia shot/vaccine.

Recommendations: Ongoing education …

Practice Matters: Adult Vaccination Recommendations, Kara S. Haughtigan, Elizabeth A. Groves

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Vaccinations provide protection from serious illness, long term complications, or death from vaccine-preventable infectious diseases throughout the lifespan. Vaccinations are a safe and effective primary prevention strategy to improve individual and community health. With many immunizations scheduled during childhood, adult vaccination needs for individuals over the age of 18 may be overlooked. Pre-existing health conditions, travel, and personal lifestyle, along with decreasing childhood immunization protections, can leave adults vulnerable to many vaccine-preventable diseases. The onset of the global 2019 coronavirus pandemic, along with vaccination disparities, anti-vaccination ideals, and mistrust, has highlighted the need for open discussion and public education regarding …

Osteoporosis Education: Success In A Community Setting, Cathy H. Abell, Maria E. Main, Maire M. Blankenship, S. Renea Watkins

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

The purpose of the quasi-experimental study was to examine the effect of a community educational offering on attendees’ knowledge of osteoporosis as measured by the Osteoporosis Knowledge Test. A statistical significant difference was noted between the pretest and post-test means (p = .000). The findings demonstrate that a brief educational session can increase knowledge regarding osteoporosis. Development of partnerships with community populations to provide opportunities for health education can be valuable in promoting healthy behaviors.

Describing Transitional Care Using The Nursing Intervention Classification: Faith Community Nursing, Deborah J. Ziebarth, Katora Campbell

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Abstract

Objective(s)

Faith community nurses (FCNs) provide transitional care to community patients following discharge from acute care facilities. Study objectives: describe transitional care using a standardized nursing language, Nursing Intervention Classification (NIC) and compare transitional care interventions to those considered to be evidenced-based.

Sample

Two years of de-identified intervention data captured from the FCN’s documentation of transitional care.

Design

A mixed method descriptive design was used to facilitate a thorough exploration of the interventions. A qualitative descriptive method operationalized the concepts regarding transitional care interventions performed. A quantitative descriptive design was used to count nominal categories of documented nursing interventions. …

Faith Community Nursing In Community/Public Health Education: A Positive Student Nursing Experience, Pamela Preston

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Faith Community Nursing sites were recently integrated into a Community/Public Health Nursing course at a traditional Catholic baccalaureate college in New England. Junior and senior nursing students were randomly assigned to spend 10 clinical days at a site for their clinical experience. The students planned, participated in, and conducted diverse nursing and educational activities. At the end of the rotation, students completed evaluations rating the experience. The evaluations indicated that the clinical experience was positive. The diverse activities including support, health promotion, screening, and education in addition to the spiritual dimension allowed the students to participate in true holistic nursing …

Job Termination Survey: Faith Community Nursing, Deborah Ziebarth

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Research regarding community-based nurse voluntary and involuntary termination rates are limited and outdated. This study explores faith community nursing termination using a survey. Survey questions pertaining to why the termination occurred, supportive resources used during termination, and post termination behaviors are addressed. The first three reasons for termination were due to site leadership change, not a strategic priority of the hospital or faith community leadership, and organization restructuring or elimination of the program. The fourth through seventh reasons for termination were financial in nature. They were: not a financial priority to hospital or health care organization, not a financial priority …

Colorectal Cancer Screening Education In Faith-Based Communities, Lindsay B. Medley 4811635, Lynette Smith, Marie Blankenship

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

The principal intent for colorectal cancer screening is early detection and primary prevention of colorectal cancer. In spite of these intentions, there is a reluctance of the general population to participate in screening. Colorectal cancer is preventable. However, screening non-adherence contributes to both cancer mortality and incidence rates and results in expensive, unnecessary health care costs. A faith-based community nurse-driven educational session, using an American Cancer Society PowerPoint, was developed to address barriers of screening non-adherence. The educational session was offered to adults who participate in multiple faith-based organizations. The session provided education regarding colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer screening …

Exploring Standardized Nursing Languages: Moving Toward A Faith Community Nursing Intervention, Deborah J. Ziebarth

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

There are many benefits when a specialty is able to translate nursing interventions into a standardized language. One of the benefits is that nurses from different specialties, geographic areas, or countries are able to understand terminologies and concepts. The aim of this paper is to examine three standardized nursing languages and their use in describing faith community nursing through an integrative literature review.

General descriptions, recognitions, populations, translations, reliability/validation/utility, and components of the Omaha System, the Nursing Intervention Classification, and the International Classification for Nursing Practice were presented. The author did not find literature to support the use of one …

Exploration And Description Of Faith Community Nurses’ Documentation Practices And Perceived Documentation Barriers., Susan M. Dyess, Donna M. Callaghan, Andra S. Opalinski Dr.

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Purpose: Documentation within Faith Community Nursing is an expected aspect of the professional specialty but is under-studied. Findings in previously published studies suggest there is a lack of consistent documentation practices among FCNs. Therefore, the aim of this research study was to explore and describe documentation practices of FCNs, and identify the perceived barriers to documentation.

Methodology: This mixed methods research had both qualitative and quantitative components. The qualitative inquiry involved three live focus groups and three telephonic key informant interviews (n = 28). Conventional content analysis was used to examine all qualitative data. The quantitative inquiry involved a survey …

General Nutrition Knowledge And Perceived Stress In A Rural Female Faith Community, Lori Alexander, M. Laurie Branstetter Dnp

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

In rural America, high rates of obesity are influenced by a lack of education and limited community resources. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of an educational intervention on recommended nutrition and body mass index knowledge and to describe the perceived stress in a rural female faith community. A quantitative quasi-experimental pre-test post-test research design was used. English speaking female participants (N=49) 18 years of age and older from two rural community churches received an educational intervention based on the Health Belief Model. Participants completed a demographic survey, self-reported height and weight, general nutrition …

Practice Matters: Red Flags In Evaluating Adult Abdominal Pain, Mary Branstetter Dnp, Dawn Garrett-Wright Phd

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

Abstract

Acute abdominal pain is the leading cause of presentation to an emergency department in the United States. Over 5.6 million annual visits have been reported for abdominal pain and represent 18% of emergency department visits and 1.5% of all office-based visits. Acute abdominal pain can be described as visceral, somatic, or neuropathic in origin. Faith community nurses have tools, such as OLDCARTS, to take a good history in order to make sound decisions regarding patient referral to a higher level of care. Identifying red flags for abdominal emergencies and awareness of signs and symptoms of colon cancer allow faith …