Pohick Church, Lorton - Parish Nurse Ministry

The Parish Nurse Ministry is a new concept for Pohick Church. It is grounded in the idea of holistic health, which implies that physical health is an integration of body, mind and spirit. The parish nurse’s role is NOT hands-on-care or duplication of other services, but to creatively bridge gaps in the health care system.

The vision for the parish nurse at Pohick is to promote wellness and prevent disease in the parish community by ongoing communication with parish staff and members regarding its health needs and concerns. Such things as monthly blood pressure screenings, a blood drive, a flu shot clinic, and teaching a CPR course are being done or planned for the near future. In addition, a monthly newsletter from the INOVA Congregational Health Partnership is being included in our Pohick Post.

The Parish Nurse was given a mustard seed grant from the Diocese to cover start up costs, such as training and supplies. The training was done at the Virginia Theological Seminary in March. It was conducted by Jean Denton from the National Episcopal Health Ministries.