Parish Nurse
(Part of Care Committee)

 

coats elisabeth

Elizabith Coats
Parish Nurse

Parish Nurse - Faith Community Nurse
The LCMS Health Ministries call parish nursing "a visible expression of Christ's healing ministry". Parish nurses serve in a team ministry with the pastor to care for the whole person - promoting physical, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual wellness - a blending of professional nursing and spiritual caregiving.

Parish Nurse Role may include

  • Hospital and home visits.
  • Spiritual care provider.
  • Work with the Pastor to provide visitations of the sick, shut-ins and the hurting.
  • Serving as a patient advocate - provide assistance when dealing with medical professionals, appointments, tests, diagnosis, and treatments.  Accompany to appointments, attend care conferences to discuss plans of care, visit the ER or sit with family in the surgery waiting room.
  • Liaison to community resources - provide referrals to appropriate community agencies and services.
  • Health and wellness educator - provide individual education by helping someone understand a diagnosis, treatment plans, medications, and preventative are. Provide health and wellness via classes, outside speakers, newsletter articles.
  • Coordinator of volunteers - in conjunction with the Care Committee Chairman work with volunteers to coordinate meals, transportation, telephone calls, etc.

(This does not involve any medical intervention or hands-on-care.)

When do I contact the Parish Nurse?

  • When you have questions about your healthcare including diagnosis, medications, treatment, etc.
  • When you would like a visit and a prayer - in the hospital or at your  home
  • When you are sick
  • When you will be having surgery or a procedure
  • When you need help navigating the healthcare system

How do I reach the Parish Nurse?

  • Elisabeth Coats is the Parish Nurse at Messiah. This is a volunteer or unpaid professional position and her hours vary depending on the needs in the congregation and her availability.
  • Elisabeth can be reached on her home-phone 925-228-0883 or you can contact Pastor Ledic or Pat Escalambre at the church office.