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Parish Nurse Ministry

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Since 1991, Concordia College has prepared nearly 1,800 nurses to serve in faith communities across the country.

As faith community nurses (or parish nurses), these professionals are called and committed to the healing ministry of the church, helping meet the emotional, physical and spiritual needs of the members. This ministry is grounded in the tradition of the church, “to preach the kingdom of God and to heal” (Luke 9:2). The faith community nurse program within a congregation also recognizes that the ministry of the church community is to proclaim God's desire that we strive toward an abundant, healthful life.

Concordia’s Parish Nurse Ministry program offers foundations courses (educational preparation programs) at select times in the year. Faith communities are encouraged to sponsor nurses by providing funding for the foundations course.

Foundations Course Information

Dates: April 28-May 2, 2025

Times: Contact times vary daily to meet the 36.5-hour requirement for continuing education. More information can be provided by the program director. Most days start by 8 a.m. with some days going into the evening hours.

Location:
Atonement Lutheran Church
4601 South University Drive S.
Fargo, North Dakota

Lodging is not available on site, but there are hotels nearby (West Acres area or in south Moorhead, Minnesota).

Cost: $450

The cost includes a full week of instruction, a participant workbook and practice standards ($100 value), and a binder of program materials. The cost also includes refreshments and some meals for the week.

Deadline for registration and submission of reference letter: April 1, 2025

Churches are encouraged to sponsor nurses and provide the program fee. A scholarship may be available to those who are not sponsored by a faith community. Please contact Dr. Bokinskie for more information.

A letter of reference from a colleague or a member of your clergy must also be submitted via email to the program director on or before the registration deadline above.

Payment may be made by check or credit card. Participants must register using the link below regardless of payment method. If you wish to pay by check, enter the coupon code PNMCHECK at checkout. Registration and full payment must be received by the registration deadline to be fully processed and complete.

Please make checks payable to Parish Nurse Ministry Program and send to:

Parish Nurse Ministry Program
Attn: Dr. Jean Bokinskie
Concordia College
901 8th St. S.
Moorhead, MN 56562

Refund Policy: If you register for the course and are unable to attend, please contact bokinski@cord.edu for the cancellation process and fees.

Resources

Recommended Links

Program Director's Note

Preparation Courses and Continuing Education

The foundations course is taught in person; there is not an online option. The course is based on the curriculum developed through the Westberg Institute for Faith Community Nursing. The curriculum is owned by:

Spiritual Care Association Inc.
505 8th Ave., Suite 900
New York, NY 10018
212.644.1111
info@SpiritualCareAssociation.org

This nursing continuing professional development activity is in the approval process through an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation to award 36.5 contact hours. This information will be updated in the spring.

Program Requirements

You must be a registered nurse with a current unencumbered license to practice professional nursing in the state(s) in which you will practice as a faith community nurse. There is no specific educational level requirement beyond the basic registered nurse preparation.

Note: Lay and professional faith community leaders may complete the course as "participant observers." These requests will be reviewed on an individual basis.

You must possess:

A strong commitment to the holistic concept of health care, including the spiritual dimension of healing and health
Good communication skills
Active involvement in a local faith community
A commitment to completion of the entire foundations preparation program