Are you confused……..

It seems that there are many options if you are a nurse and interested in spiritual care as well as Faith Community Nursing. This article is not intended to present in depth information on each organization mentioned, but to provide some reflection points for Faith Community Nurses on organizations that can provide support for Faith Community Nursing. These organizations are:

Spiritual Care Association: Nursing Section – A sub-group of the Spiritual Care Association which was recently initiated for all nurses interested in spiritual care. The Westberg Institute remains as a resource Center within the Spiritual Care Association for Faith community Nurses. Faith Community Nursing International collaborates with The Westberg Institute on many projects.

Nurses Christian Fellowship – This is a ministry of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA. It has as its purpose “to establish and advance in nursing, within education and practice, witnessing communities of nursing students and nurses who follow Jesus Christ”. This organization has been in existence since 1948. Faith Community Nursing International works closely with Nurses Christian Fellowship.

American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) – AHNA is a specialty nursing organization that provides membership to nurses and healthcare professionals in the US and internationally. AHNA has as its mission “to illuminate holism in nursing practice, community, advocacy, research and education”.

Health Ministry Association (HMA) – Created as an interdisciplinary membership organization, HMA has a large proportion of their membership that consists of Faith Community Nurses. HMA began in 1989 and has as its mission “to encourage, support and empower leaders in the integration of faith and health in their local communities”.

Faith Community Nurses International (FCNI)- Beginning in 2005, FCNI is the only specialty nursing organization that is dedicated to the advancement of and support of Faith Community Nursing as its single mission. This organization provides the opportunity for Faith Community Nurses to be supported in their ministry and practice as well as provide input for the faith community nurse into the advancement of this specialty nursing practice.

My hope is that this provides clarity as to the primary organizations that are available for Faith Community Nurses today to join, become active and invest their energy . Please use this as an opportunity to reflect on, as a Faith Community Nurse, where it is important for you to invest yourself and your money. Which organization or organizations do you want to be a part of to support you and assist you in serving members of your faith community? OF course, my hope is that you consider this as an invitation to join FCNI. Come join us and help make this specialty practice and organization your professional home.

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

November 4, 2021 6:00 PM Central—CNE presentation on Complicated/Holiday Grief with interventions for the FCN 1.0 contact hour CNE;  followed by FCNI annual meeting at 7:00 PM Central.

We will post registration information on the FCNI website closer to the date of this meeting.

A “Moment in Time” is intended to give pause and assist in reflecting on past meaningful “moments” in faith community nursing .