Name: Parish Nurse Description: Unites healthcare and the community through religious affiliation. Parish nurses act as liaison / facilitator with church, community and hospital Practice roles: Health educator/counselor, bereavement/pastoral counselor, program director, facilitator, liaison, referral source, consultant Characteristics: Diverse, community-based role with many opportunities for interpersonal dealings. Autonomy, chance to be part of a growing field Drawbacks: Some positions are non-paid/ voluntary and part-time. Because specialty is so new, limited opportunities currently available Desirable skills: Good communication and nursing assessment skills, solid clinical foundation, excellent interpersonal skills Education: None in particular. Educational and training programs are just beginning to be formed in different parts of the country Employers: Hospitals, religious organizations/congregations Associations: The International Parish Resource Center 205 West Touhy # 104 Park Ridge, IL 60068 1-800-556-5368 Publications: Journal of Christian Nursing PO Box 7895 Madison, WI 53707-7895