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Avera Parish Nurse Center

The Avera Parish Nurse Center was established in 1997 to promote and encourage parish nursing in eastern South Dakota and neighboring states. The Avera Parish Nurse Center helps congregations start parish nurse programs; facilitates communication among all parish nurses in the region; develops documents for use by parish nurses, hospitals and religious congregations; helps nurses and congregations find ways to fund parish nurse programs; and supports and publicizes courses and workshops that prepare nurses for parish ministry.

Life Connections Newsletter

For more information, or to receive the Avera Parish Nurse Center newsletter, contact:

Carol DeSchepper, Director
Avera Parish Nurse Center
3900 W Avera Drive
Sioux Falls, S.D. 57108
Phone: (605) 322-4706
carol.deschepper@avera.org

Links

What is a Parish Nurse?

A Parish Nurse is a registered nurse working with members of a local congregation promoting the wellness of body, mind and spirit for individuals of all ages.

Where is Parish Nursing?

  • Christ the King Catholic Church, Sioux Falls
  • First Lutheran Church, Mitchell
  • Sacred Heart Parish, Aberdeen
  • First United Methodist Church, Mitchell
  • St. Joseph Cathedral, Sioux Falls
  • Hope Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls
  • American Luthern Church, Milbank
  • Parkview Methodist Church, Milbank

Role of the Parish Nurse

H ealth Counselor

  • Listener
  • Caregiver, support
  • Home, nursing home, hospital visitation

Educator - Based on Needs of Congregation

  • Focus on all age groups

A dvocate

  • Professional/Community knowledge
  • Navigate health care System

Leader/Facilitator of Volunteers

  • Empower and affirms volunteer programs

T heologic Reflection

  • Ministering to health needs and the spirit
  • Supporting through prayer
  • Wholistic health focus

Helper/Liaison to the Community

  • Referral to existing services and agencies
  • Collaborate with agencies to meet specific needs

Request a Prayer from Area Parish Nurses

The Avera Parish Nurse Center maintains contact with parish nurses throughout the region.  Many of them are committed to praying for you and your special needs.  We welcome your prayer request and honor your privacy.  If you have a prayer request, please contact us.  Prayer requests are read Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.