Practice of faith community nursing in diverse congregations in the upper midwest

The practice of Faith Community Nursing (FCN) also known as Parish Nursing has increased rapidly in the last two decades. In 2005, the American Nurses Association published Faith community nursing: scope and standards of practice. The literature comparing FCN and public health or community nursing suggests similarities in practice. Few research studies, however, have documented the practice of FCN. Hennepin County, Minnesota Human Services and Public Health Department began exploring FCN in 2003. Their work resulted in a network of FCN in over 200 congregations with FCN programs in an 11 county metropolitan area. In order to better understand the practice of FCN in this area, 270 surveys were mailed to known faith community nurses with a response rate of 70%. Completion of the survey was compensated monetarily. The survey results provide FCN educational and professional backgrounds, number of hours worked, salary and benefit compensation as well as their scope of practice. In addition, the various organizational structures in which they practice are described including their supervision. Denomination-related data is also presented. Surveys went to Christian, Muslim and Jewish congregations. Comparisons among these major religious groups as well as among Christian denominations are presented. FCN were asked to provide information on detractors and enhancers for their practice within congregations. This study advances knowledge of the practice of FCN in a progressive Midwest metropolitan area. The discussion includes on-going recommendations for community partnerships with public health nursing.