Our Lady of Guadalupe Abbey

This educational program is organized to assist all faith communities to grow toward wholistic health from a global perspective and to develop local community outreach opportunities. As a non-denominational course offers experienced registered nurses an educational program based on the 2014 curriculum developed by the International Parish Nurse Resource Center. Faith community nursing provides a wholistic blending of nursing expertise and spiritual care as professional nurses practice in congregations and faith-based organizations as part of the ministry team. Clergy, allied health professionals and laity interested in health ministry are also welcome to attend.

Program Description
The Foundations of Faith Community Nursing Practice course incorporates multidimensional learning activities to cover a wide range of topics including but not limited to:

• Roles of the parish/faith community nurse and health advocate
• Wholistic health and healing
• Getting started and functioning as a member of the ministerial team
• Spiritual caregiving
• Ethics and legal considerations

The schedule includes time for fellowship and reflection. Consultation with a parish nurse coordinator and mentoring opportunities are also available at no additional charge. The course may be taken by registered nurses for 38 continuing education contact hours. Other participants will receive an attendance certificate.

General Program Objectives

• Describe the theoretical foundation of parish/faith community nursing/health ministry
• Demonstrate knowledge, attitude, and skills to practice as a beginning parish/faith community nurse and health advocate
• Identify a network of continuing education and support

Requirements to Attend

• Be currently licensed as a registered nurse or be enrolled in an accredited school of nursing. Non-nurses are welcome; contact the coordinator for more information.
• Provide a letter of recommendation attesting to spiritual maturity as defined by the participant's denomination or religion
• Submit a complete course application at least 10 days before the start date and return a course evaluation at the end of the course

It is recommended, but not required that participants have a BSN or related educational preparation such as teaching, theology, and knowledge of community health and health promotion.


Requirements to Receive Contact Hours
Registered Nurse participants must:

• Attend the entire activity
• Sign in each day on the provided sheets
• Participate in program activities and discussions
• Complete and submit an evaluation form

“Continuing nursing education activity credits have been applied for through the Texas Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. “

Fees
Total cost of the program is $380. Please make checks payable to Rural Nurse Resource. The fee includes tuition, materials, Continuing Nursing Education Contact Hours, IPNRC pin, certificate, and snacks, for all class dates. NOTE: non-nurses will not receive contact hours or the IPNRC pin. Scholarships may be available through various denominations and organizations. We reserve the right to cancel the course if there is an insufficient number of qualified applicants. In case of cancelation, registered participants will receive a full refund. Rural Nurse Resource is not responsible for travel, lodging or any other expense related to the cancellation of a course.

Lodging and Travel
Travel and lodging are the responsibility of the participant. Contact manager@pecosmonastery.org or call 505-757-6415 ext. 112 for housing reservations. This course is set in a retreat format – you are highly encouraged to reserve lodging at the Pecos monastery in order to receive the complete course experience.

Program Coordinator/Faculty
Dr. Sharon T. Hinton DMIN, RN-BC, MSN has more than 20 years experience in nursing and is the Executive Director of Rural Nurse Resource, Inc. Sharon has been a faith community nurse (FCN), educator and coordinator for fifteen years and is board certified in the specialty practice of faith community nursing by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She is a FCN specialist for the International Parish Nurse Resource Center, is a member-for-life of the National Health Ministries Association and the author of the "Nursing in the Church" column for the Journal of Christian Nursing. Sharon's educational background includes a Masters Certificate in Pastoral Studies and a Masters of Nursing Degree specializing in parish nursing from St Joseph’s College of Maine as well as a Doctorate of Ministry in Global Health and Wholeness from Saint Paul School of Theology.

To Register
Due to limited class size you are encouraged to register early. Registration will close 10 days before course start date. Registration will NOT be accepted at the door.
Request an application packet or more information email: coordinator@ruralnurseresource.com, by phone at (806)983-8096