Trinity Lutheran Church
309 Taylor Ave • Park Hills, MO 63601 • 573-431-3442
Trinity's Parish Nurse Program provides information and support to meet the health needs of our congregation.
The Parish Nurse Program has been in place at Trinity since 2001. Ruth Reetz, a registered nurse and longtime member of Trinity, has faithfully served in the position since its development and talks with us about what this program is all about.
What exactly is Parish Nursing?
Parish Nursing was developed by a Lutheran Pastor, Rev. Westberg in the 1980's. He saw the benefits of having nurses in congregations who were able to assist members with their health needs. The Parish nurse program addresses the overall health of congregation members, including physical and emotional health, and provides information and support for when they are facing health decisions. All Parish Nurses go through training to prepare them for their work.
What are some of the ways you provide information to the Congregation?
A lot of what I do is on the individual level. I provide information on the specific concerns they have. I also have an article in the Trinity TImes newsletter each month, and work with the Health Committee to provide other forms of information through Care Notes, pamphlets and the annual Health Fair.
What are some of the ways you provide support for individuals?
I do a lot of visits to hospitals and nursing homes. I accompany members to doctor visits, providing transportation on occasion for those members who have no other options. I am also here just to talk through things.
What are some of the other things you do as Parish Nurse?
One thing that has benefits for all members is that we provide free blood pressure screening regularly on Sunday mornings after the service. I also go to St. Joe Manor to lead armchair aerobics and visit with the residents there. Through the Health and Outreach committees we are able to provide other services as they are suggested.
Is there any other important information that the members of Trinity should know?
One of the most important things is that all of these services are offered free of charge and are strictly confidential. Everything that I do is open to any member of the congregation including family members. All a member has to do is contact me and we will go from there. You can also refer someone who you think could use some support and I will contact that person.
"It has truly amazed me since I started doing this how God works. It is amazing how He leads me to the places I am needed and supports me through it."
Ruth Reetz, RN |
