Dr. L. Ray White PhD, RN, C, APRN-BC, is the Certified Parish Nurse for Family Faith Center. He is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner.
Les has been a Registered Nurse for over 25 years. He is currently employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. From 2003 until 2006 he owned and operated the Dia de Reyes Clinic. He was among the initial six Certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners for Howard County. Les provides care to the inmates of the Howard County Jail. Dr. White was the first Texas nurse appointed to the American Nurses Association's Institute of Nursing Practice.
Nursing Expertise: Infectious Disease, HIV/AIDS, Spinal Cord Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Pulmonary Disease, Sexual Assault, End-of-Life, Relaxation Therapy and Pet Therapy.
Prayer Zone: Sunday Early Service, Sunday Communion, Church Photographer, Housekeeping Staff, Intercessory Prayer Warriors, Kingdom Connect, Family Care Outreach, India. Addiction. The Incarcerated.
Faye Flowers ADN, RN has been a Registered Nurse for over 35 years. She received an Associate Degree in Nursing.
Nursing Expertise: Medical, Urology, Pediatrics and Home Health.
Prayer Zone: Family Health, Wednesday Evening Service, Sunday Services, Deacons, Greeters, Health Ministries Cabinet, Praise and Worship Team, Ushers, Flowers Fellowship, and Handy Builders.
LES
WHITE
FAYE
FLOWERS
TONY
HESS
Christ's ministry was always holistic; Jesus treated the "whole" person -- physically, emotionally, spiritually. his was a healing ministry, and he led his disciples by example. The Scriptures are replete with references to abundant living as a proper and desirable goal. Congregations need to be supported in this goal.
The Gate Called Beautiful recognizes that the ministry of the church community is to proclaim God's desire that we strive toward an abundant, healthful life. Jesus says in John 10:10, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly". Members of Family Faith Center need reaffirmation and support in their growth toward health-filled living and wellness.
Jeff Vidal ADN,RN has been a Registered Nurse for over 5 years. He received an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing in 2003.
Nursing Expertise: Critical Care, Emergency Room, Long-Term Care and Geriatrics.
Prayer Zone: Infants, especially those in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. The Indigent. Children, especially ages 8 to 12. Wednesday Noon Day Fast. Deacons. Elevate Student Ministry. Handy Builders. M 56.
JEFF
VIDAL
A parish nurse is a professional nurse who is called and committed to the healing ministry of the church. The parish nurses serve Family Faith Center to help meet the emotional, physical and spiritual needs of its members. This ministry is grounded in the tradition of the church, "to preach the kingdom of God and to heal"
(Luke 9:2).
Today, health care has become increasingly segmented and complex. People have difficulty sorting out and receiving services they need. Fortunately, the nurses of the Gate Called Beautiful (found on this page) are willing to stand in the gap so that members of the congregation may benefit from their knowledge and expertise in matters of health and spirituality alike. The descriptions below outline each nurses educational background and areas of professional expertise. In addition, the focus of prayer for each individual nurse is located in the area we call the prayer zone. The prayer zone may included special populations, church services or even countries which the nurses is called to intercede for.
Why Parish Nursing?
Before the advent of modern medical technology, churches were actively involved in tending to the needs of the sick as part of their ministry.
The Parish Nurse Program revitalizes that function while taking advantage of the advances in knowledge and skills which have taken place in scientific medicine in recent years. The parish nurse program helps reclaim for the church its role of ministering to the sick.
Family Faith Center is “Your Healthy Place to Be”. The Parish Nurse Program reflects the relationship between faith and health and helps the church to fulfill the mission of enhancing the health of the congregation through a spirit of Christian concern for others.
Who is a Parish Nurse?
A registered nurse who facilitates the holistic health of a congregation and in doing so helps the church reclaim its healing ministry.
The Parish Nurse provides care that focuses on the spiritual, emotional, social, and physical dimensions of the person who is striving to achieve wellness and to manage illness.
The Parish Nurse develops a faith-based practice in response to the unique needs and priorities of the congregational members across the life span.
The Parish Nurse collaborates with the pastoral staff and members of the congregation in the ongoing transformation of the faith community as a source of health and healing.
Parish Nurses currently practice in congregations in every denomination in rural, suburban, and urban settings across the United States.
What is Parish Nursing?
Parish nursing is a specialty practice and professional model of health ministry distinguished by the following beliefs:
╪ The role reclaims the historic roots of health and healing found in many religious traditions.
╪ The spiritual dimension is central to parish nurse practice. Spiritual health is central to well being and influences a person’s entire being.
╪ The focus of the practice is the faith community and its ministry?
╪ The functions of the parish nurse are: Interpreter of the Relationship Between Faith and Health, Health Educator, Personal Health Counselor, Referral Agent, Trainer of Volunteers, Developer of Support Groups, and Health Advocate.
Who can be a Parish Nurse?
A parish nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who is committed to the health mission of the church. Others such as Licensed Vocational Nurses retired RNs, social workers, health educators may volunteer to assist with the health ministry. However, the activities of this team would be under the supervision of a certified parish nurse. What are the Qualifications
for the Parish Nurse?
Minimum of 3 years clinical experience
involving direct nursing care.
Active member of the congregation of
Family Faith Center for one year.
Scope of Practice
╪ As outlined in the American Nurses Association/Health Ministries Association, INC. Scope and Standards of Parish Nursing Practice, (2000).
╪ The Parish Nurse Ministry of Family Faith Center exists to assist congregational members and constituents in exploring health as a concept that encompasses emotional, physical, mental and spiritual well being. Programs associated with The Gate Called Beautiful exists to provide education and support regarding health-related issues throughout the lifespan.
Activities of the Parish Nurse
╪ Prayer for Health and Healing
╪ Maintenance of Prayer List
╪ Facilitation of Health Screening, such as Blood Pressure Monitoring.
╪ Collaboration with Senior Minister and Ministerial Staff in maintaining confidentiality.
╪ Alliance with the Health Ministries Cabinet.
╪ Facilitation of individual and group health/wellness education to members of the congregation.
╪ Organization of support groups within the congregation.
╪ Participates in continuing education activities with emphasis toward Health Ministry and Parish Nursing.
╪ Collaboration with local colleges and universities in facilitation of education of Parish nurses.
╪ Practices within the Texas Nurse Practice Act.
PARISH NURSE ROLES
╪ Interpreter of the Relationship Between Faith and Health
In all activities, the Parish Nurse seeks to promote an understanding of the relationship between values, beliefs, behaviors, and well-being.
The Parish Nurse works with the Health Ministries Cabinet and is accountable to the Pastors through the organizational hierarchy.
╪ Health Advocate
The Parish Nurse Provides Health Screenings.
The Parish Nurse Assures necessary services are obtained by supporting and encouraging people to make good choices; or speaking for them when they cannot speak.
╪ Health Educator
The Parish Nurse determines that Education is incorporated into existing programs of the church, emphasizing the relationship between faith and health.
The Parish Nurse Provides education and support for all ages, with emphasis on prevention and wellness.
The Parish Nurse can present and arrange educational programs dealing with health topics.
The Parish Nurse Relates values, attitudes, lifestyle, faith, and well-being.
╪ Personal Health Counselor
The Parish Nurse Provides a confidential environment for parishioners to explore health concerns, difficulties, and dissatisfactions in terms of faith, lifestyle changes, and community resources.
The Parish Nurse Discusses health issues with members of the Congregation; makes home, hospital, and nursing home visits to members of the congregation as requested by parishioners or clergy.
╪ Referral Agent
The Parish Nurse Acts as a liaison to other congregational resources and to community services.
The Parish Nurse may serve as a referral to other health and social agencies in the community and will supply information to promote healing and wellness.
Parish nurses are not expected to provide home healthcare nursing. When such care is needed, a parish nurse makes the appropriate referral to a community agency.
╪ Trainer of Volunteers
The Parish Nurse Recruits and coordinates congregational volunteers and resources within the faith community.
╪ Developer of Support Groups
The Parish Nurse Develops small support groups as needed.
Parish Nurses will form and support discussion groups dealing with topics related to the parishioners’ physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
Tony Hess BSN, RN has been a Registered Nurse for over 10 years. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing in 1998.
Nursing Expertise: Intensive Care, Emergency Room and Medical/Surgical Nursing.
Prayer Zone: Cardiac Illness or Heart Disease including emergent issues such as chest pain and palpitations. Wednesday Evening Service, Pastors and Support Clergy, Praise and Worship Team, Security Team, Ushers, Little Builders and Mommies @ Home.
Kristie Hernandez LVN has been a Licensed Vocational Nurse for 3 years. She graduated from Western Texas College in 2007. Mrs. Hernandez has been in health care for over 12 years.
Nursing Expertise: Outpatient Clinic, Emergency Room, Home Health, Hospice and Outpatient Surgery. Interested in Oncology.
Prayer Zone: Clerical staff, Ushers, Elevate, Kingdom Builders, Family Care Outreach, Kingdom Connect, Studio 56, Sweet Aroma, The Gate Called Beautiful, and Praise and Worship team.
KRISTIE
HERNANDEZ
CONGREGATIONAL NURSES
Sylvia Polonco LVN (Retired 2007) was a Licensed Vocational Nurse for 37 years. She received a license in Vocational Nursing.
Nursing Expertise: Medical Surgical Nursing. Mental Health Nursing. Geriatrics.
Prayer Zone: Audiovisual Technicians, Church Photographer, Clerical Staff, Greeters, Health Ministries Cabinet, Housekeeping and Janitorial Staff, Pastoral Visitors and Special Guest, Pastors and Support Clergy, Praise and Worship Team (Musicians), Prayer Partners, Ushers, Baby Builders, Handy Builders, Membership Class 101, Mommies @ Home, and The Gate Called Beautiful.
SYLVIA
POLONCO
