FCNI is now on Vimeo! 

We have just posted our Spring Spiritual Celebration Series (Episode 3 is pending)

Stay tuned for CNE postings soon!

  Whenever  thinking of engaging with a group and paying my money to belong to an organization, it is important to determine the value of the investment of money, time and personal resources. Joining Faith Community Nursing was no different for me. The International Parish Nurse Resource Center was never intended to be a membership organization. The purpose was to provide resources as is the Westberg Institute doing today. When Rev Granger Westberg came up with the idea of an all nurse specialty membership organization for then parish nurses, I was opposed. The rational that I provided was that many parish nurses at the time were not paid, and that many did not see value in joining a professional nursing organization. But Granger persisted, as he always did. Yes,there were not enough nurses that were interested in joining a membership organization just for parish nurses, and so, the interdisciplinary membership organization of Health Ministry Association was born.

I remained unconvinced for many years of joining any membership organization for faith community nursing. What was the value?? Until in reflecting on the issues further, I realized, that if I had a high investment in the future development of the ministry of faith community nursing practice, it was important not to sit back and rely on others, but to come forward and do the work to move the ministry of faith community nursing practice forward. Also, given the small numbers involved, that every voice that believed in the unique contribution of faith community nursing needed to come together. If that does not happen, others could determine the future of the specialty ministry of faith community nursing practice.  Through all of us coming together, collaborating, and making our voices heard is the only way that this specialty practice will mature, advance and be considered to make a legitimate contribution to the wellbeing of individuals, communities and countries. The more faith community nurses that come forth to support this work, the more this specialty will be legitimized. So, if you are like me, and wondering how you can make a difference in faith community nursing at a national and international level, please come join us.    

~ Ann Solari-Twadell, RN, PhD, MPA, FAAN