Congregational Visiting Nurse
We are very blessed to have a Visiting Nurse within our congregation. The position was set up in its format to that of The Canadian Parish Nursing Ministry. Bev Wilkins has been covering this ministry part time for the past 5 years.
What is a Congregational Visiting Nurse? (CVN)
A CVN is a registered nurse with specialized knowledge who is called to ministry amd affirmed by a faith community (St. Andrew's) to promote health, healing and wholeness.
The Role of the CVN:
The role of the CVN is to promote the integration of faith and health in a variety of ways that reflect the context of the faith community (congregation). Specific examples include:
- health advocacy
- health counseling
- health education
- resource referral
Registered Nurse: A CVN must be registered in the province in which the nurse practices. The nurse's license or certificate of competence must be valid and current. This ensures that the public is receiving safe and competent care.
Specialized Knowledge:The CVN must have specialized knowledge which meets the criteria of the core learning competencies developed by agencies or groups doing this nursing ministry over many years (such as the Canadian Association for Parish Nursing Ministry.)
Called to Ministry: Although nursing itself is a vocation or "call", nursing ministry is a call to specialized practice. The nurse is called by God to this special service. It is a step in one's faith journey that brings the nurse to become a CVN.
Affirned by a faith community (congregation): Although the CVN is registered, educated and aware of God's call, the CVN is also called by the faith community (congregation). By calling the CVN to serve the faith community, the nurse becomes affirmed as the congregation's visiting nurse, thus validating the nurse's call to ministry.
To promote healing and wholeness: This is the mandate of the CVN in the faith community. The CVN needs a personal understanding of the theology of health, healing and wholeness in the context of the faith community being served recognizing that theology differs from individual to individual and even with a denomination.
How to arrange for the CVN to visit: If you feel that a member of the congregation could benefit from a visit or a term of care by the CVN, please contact the office (519-376-7886). Rev. Johnston or Megan Purdy will review the request and assign the CVN as is deemed helpful or necessary. Nancy Robinson may also receive requests.
