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Education Committee
The Education Committee is responsible for supporting FCNI by providing continuing nursing education to support faith community nurses to enhance the development and sustainability of faith community nursing practice.
FCNI Annual Virtual Conference – 2025 Behavioral Health Across the Lifespan: Saturday, October 18 from 10 am to 3:30 pm (CT)
Keynote: TBD: Empowering Pediatric Cancer Survivors who face Behavioral Health ChallengesKathleen Ruccione, PhD, RN, MPH, CPON, FAAN, FAPHON, Professor at Azusa Pacific University, CA, is a career researcher of pediatric cancer. Research Drives Practice: “Forging Communities of Belonging and Hope: An Approach to Support”Beth Hlabse MS, LMHCA, is director and counselor with the Fiat MH program at the University of Notre Dame, IN. Practice Drives Research: “Trauma-Informed Care: Strategies for FCNs”Liz Coleman, DNP, FNP, RN is Assistant Professor at Minnesota State University and a FNP at a MH clinic. Closing: “Hills, Hope, and Healing: Mental Health and Faith Community Nursing in Appalachia”Angel Smothers, DNP, APRN, is Associate Dean and Professor at West Virginia University and a FCN in the community.
Feedback from last year’s Second Annual FCNI Conference in Fall 2024: “The entire conference was excellent. All the speakers demonstrated expertise in their subjects and adhered to the time allotment.” Upon completion of activities at this conference, learners will be able to:
Registration available later in 2025
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UPCOMING FCNI WEBINArS
“Uncovering Patterns in Providing Spiritual Care: Lessons for FCNs" 
Presented by: Renee Kumpula Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025 Spiritual care is a necessary support when anyone is confronted with difficult diagnoses, chronic illness, or palliative and end-of-life care. This session will explore the factors and strategies that affect nurses’ effectiveness in providing spiritual care. Learning Outcomes:
“Managing PTSD with 
Presented by: Merdijana Kovcevic Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025 This session will explore the nature of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and its profound impact not only on individuals who experience it but also on the people who support them. Learning Outcomes:
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FCNI Webinars for 2025 - Save the Date Webinars (on Zoom)
 Past Webinars And Virtual Annual Conferences DISAPPOINTED THAT YOU MISSED
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RECENT FCNI WEBINARS |
“Evidence-based Practice and the FCN Part I: Inspiring a Spirit of Inquiry to Solve Practice Problems”
Presented by: Mary Lynne Knighten, DNP, RN, NEA-BC  Dr. Knighten is the President of FCNI, a faculty member at Azuza Pacific University, and a board-certified nurse executive with 36 years of progressive management experience leading patient care operations, legal and regulatory compliance, and clinical programs including improving evidence-based practices, patient satisfaction, and quality outcomes for major medical centers and teaching hospitals. Mary Lynne is the Health Ministry Director at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Los Angeles, CA, the Faith Community Foundations Course Educator at Azusa Pacific University and has published widely about faith community nursing. This is the first of two webinars designed to enable faith community nurses to use evidence-based practice (EBP) in their ministry. The focus will be on inspiring a sense of inquiry to identify practice and/or patient problems and addressing those problems with evidence to improve care. EBP competencies will be presented, along with skill development for the following: writing a searchable PICO question to drive the literature search for research that is ready for translation to practice (including patient/ population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes Learning outcomes: Registration: CNE 1.0 ANCC : ANCC contact hours are pending from Northeast Multistate Division Education Unit, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
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“LGBTQ+ and BIPOC Considerations for FCNs”
Presented by: Andrea West, PhD, RN (retired)
Date: 22/Feb/2024
Time: 6 pm to 7 pm Central Time on Zoom
Time-zone(UTC-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada)
Current issues abound around the LGBTQ+ and the BIPOC populations. In the past, these groups have not been given the appropriate care and respect necessary to meet their physical, mental, and spiritual needs. Faith community nurses have a unique opportunity to be at the forefront for identifying and providing health care to these individuals—care that includes physical, mental as well as spiritual components. The agencies and congregations where FCNs practice are many times the first line of contact for these individuals needing assistance, understanding, and acceptance.
Bio: After over 20 years working in nursing education, Dr. West served for 2 years as Director of Curriculum and Research at the International Parish Nurse Resource Center in St. Louis, MO. She participated in developing the Faith Community Nursing Association of Oklahoma, was active in the Rocky Mountain Parish Nurse Ministry organization in Colorado, and served on the teaching faculty for the Foundations in Faith Community Nursing curriculum in both in Oklahoma and Colorado. She is a founding member of Faith Community Nurses International and member and officer of the Lutheran Faith Community Nursing Association.
Learning outcomes:
1. Identify issues facing those in the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC community
2. Describe 2 strategies to use for meeting the physical, mental, and spiritual needs of the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC community.
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“Evidence-based Practice, Part 2: Executing EBP Projects” Presented by: Mary Lynne Knighten, DNP, RN, NEA-BC This is the second of two webinars designed to enable faith community nurses to use evidence-based practice (EBP) in their ministry. The focus will be on using evidence to design and implement EBP projects in the faith community to solve practice problems and improve health outcomes. please come even if you did not attend the first pressentation. 1. Differentiate between quality improvement, evidence-based practice, and research. |
“Social Determinants of Health for FCN Practice” Presented by: Cassandra Alexander, MAOM,BSN,RN and Naomi Myers, MA,RN
Nurses can benefit from understanding social justice when evaluating health disparities and inequities in their congregations and communities. Health disparities are driven by social and economic inequities and affect mortality, morbidity, life expectancy, health care expenditures, healthcare systems, and overall health status. Learning to assess and manage Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) is essential to address and oversee the health of a faith community. Learning outcomes:
Naomi Myers is a content expert in behavioral health/health administration and an Associate pastor. She earned a Bachelor degree in psychology and counseling, a Masters in ministry and counseling, and serves as a coordinator of health ministry, a Faith Community Nurse, and a Bible class teacher. Registration: CNE 1.0 ANCC contact hour
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Teen-Senior Connections: An Intergenerational Approach for Building Teen Resilience
Presented by: Marcia Davis, DNP, RN, CRNP-PC
Date: Thursday, May 2, 2024
Time: 6 pm to 7 pm Central Time on Zoom
Description: Faith Community Nurses face challenges in creating relationships among the generations. In the literature, resilience had been identified as a protective factor against the alarming rate of teen suicide in the US. This presentation describes a study to build teen resilience by using an intergenerational approach within a faith community. Outcomes reveal potential benefit for both young and old including other options for exploring intergenerational activities among a congregation.
Bio: Marcia Davis is a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care. She received a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Nursing degree from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), a Nurse Practitioner Certificate from California State University at Long Beach (CSULB), and her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from the Azusa Pacific University. She has over 45 years of experience with children in inpatient and outpatient settings, private clinics, and school settings, and has been an Assistant Professor for over 12 years at Loma Linda University and at Azusa Pacific University.
Learning outcomes:
- Identify 2 benefits of using an intergenerational approach for building teen resilience.
- Identify 2 challenges and benefits of supporting intergenerational activities between youth and older adults.
Registration:
CNE 1.0 ANCC contact hours
$20 for Members; $40 for Nonmembers
Jewish Traditions and Rituals: Death and Dying
Presented by: Sharon Goldfarb, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
Date: Thursday, June 13, 2024
Time: 6 pm to 7 pm Central Time on Zoom
Description: Participants will explore Jewish beliefs, the rich rituals and practices surrounding death within Jewish communities, ethical principles guiding end-of-life care, and insights for supporting Jewish individuals and families during times of bereavement. From the immediate post-death rituals to the enduring practices of mourning, FCNs will gain a nuanced understanding of Jewish perspectives on mortality and learn to navigate the terrain of death and grief within Jewish tradition.
Bio: Sharon Goldfarb, with over 35 years of dedicated service to vulnerable populations, is respected in the field of healthcare with addressing cultural and religious considerations in end-of-life care. Beginning as the clinical director of Harlem's first HIV clinic in 1993, she later extended her outreach to underserved groups, including those from diverse religious backgrounds. Her commitment to education and cultural sensitivity led her to Columbia University in addressing health disparities and promoting equity, particularly in end-of-life care practices. At UCSF School of Nursing, she continued her work by training future healthcare professionals to provide culturally sensitive care for individuals and families from diverse religious backgrounds during times of bereavement. Goldfarb is thought leader in addressing social determinants of health and health inequity, contributing to national initiatives, publications, presentations, and developing innovative tools tailored to promote cultural humility in healthcare delivery.
Learning outcomes:
- Identify 3 key rituals, customs, and ethical considerations surrounding death and dying within Jewish tradition.
- Describe 2 skills necessary to support end-of-life care decisions in accordance with Jewish ethical principles while fostering respectful and compassionate care.
Registration:
CNE 1.0 ANCC contact hours.
$20 for Members; $40 for Nonmembers
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The FCNI Education Committee invites you to
“Innovation in Health Screening and Meeting Community Needs”
Stephanie Young, Paula Staab Polk, Mary Lynne Knighten, and Eugenia Graves
Date: Thursday, January 30, 2025
Time: 7 pm ET, 6 pm CT, 5 pm MT, 4 pm PT on Zoom
- Description of session: Four FCNs will share your experiences creating innovative screening, health education, health fairs, and free healthcare opportunities in diverse communities.
Learning outcomes: Upon completion of the activity, nurses will be able to:
- Identify unique partnerships to facilitate health promotion in their communities.
- Identify possible sources of funding for community health fairs.
- Stephanie Young is a Faith Community Nurse at Pierpont Church of the Nazarene and Suncrest United Methodist Church, both in Morgantown, WV. This work is a part of faculty practice for the West Virginia University School of Nursing where she is a Clinical Assistant Professor. She has organized multiple community health fairs and was instrumental in developing an interdisciplinary partnership in the community. She is Chair of the FCNI Marketing, Membership, and Outreach Committee.
- Paula Staab Polk has an extensive professional background in nursing, funeral service, event planning, and volunteering. She is a consultant, developing virtual programs for the homebound for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. She is the Health Ministry Leader for St. Finbar Church, in Burbank. Paula is fund-raising committee Chair for FCNI.
- Mary Lynne Knighten is a nurse leader with over 37 years of experience in many areas of nursing, including being credentialed as a Faith Community Nurse, with a post-masters certificate in Faith Community Nursing from Azusa Pacific University. She has been the Health Ministry Director at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Eagle Rock for 22 years and Adjunct Faculty at Azusa Pacific University. She serves as President of FCNI and is passionate about translating research and evidence to practice.
- Eugenia Graves served as a volunteer Faith Community Nurse at First Baptist Church Huntsville, AL for almost 20 years and retired in 2019. During that time, she was a founder of the Community Free Dental Clinic and still serves as the nurse coordinator for the clinic as well as secretary for the board of directors.
Registration: CNE 1.0 ANCC contact hours $20 for FCNI members, $40 for non-members
Exploring Interventions for Decreasing Hypertension: Education and Meditation
Presented by: Beverly McLawyer, DNP, MSN, RN
Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025
Time: 6 pm to 7 pm Central Time on Zoom
Description: This presentation is designed to provide information on a hypertension education program and use of music and mindfulness meditation to assist with decreasing hypertension in faith communities.
Learning outcomes:
- Identify two domains in which hypertension knowledge increased.
- Explain how to perform mindfulness meditation with scripture and music.
Bio: Dr. Beverly McLawyer’s desire to keep God first in her life led her to choose a career in nursing where she was drawn to help those with cardiovascular disease and especially hypertension. She worked in telemetry and cardiothoracic intensive care at the LA General Medical Center for a number of years (formerly LA County and USCLA). With her MSN, she worked as a critical care nurse educator for 16 years and is currently nursing faculty at the Los Angeles County College of Nursing and Allied Health. She completed FCN certification while completing her doctorate degree at Azusa Pacific University and is now a member of the health ministry at the Normandie Church of Christ in LA with a passion for helping others to care for their mind, body, and soul.
Registration:
CNE 1.0 ANCC contact hours.
$20 for Members; $40 for Nonmembers
The Labyrinth Journey: A Spiritual Tool for Faith Community Nurses
Presented by: Melissa Powers, PhD
Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025
Time: 6 pm to 7 pm Central Time on Zoom
Description: The labyrinth is an ancient path that has contemporary application. The labyrinth experience is often described as a moving meditation – an opportunity for reflection, contemplation, or a look within – bringing together mind, body, and spirit. In this webinar, we will begin with a brief overview of labyrinths and the research supporting their use in wellness settings and in spiritual practice. Next, we will explore ways that the labyrinth might support the work of Faith Community Nurses. This session will include a labyrinth experience.
Learning outcomes:
- Describe a labyrinth including the benefits of using the labyrinth.
- Explain the potential uses of the labyrinth as a tool for physical, mental, and spiritual wellness.
Bio: Dr. Melissa Powers is Professor in the Dr. Virginia Peters Department of Kinesiology & Health Studies at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO). She also serves UCO as the chair of the Institutional Review Board and the Age-Friendly Champion (UCO is a member of the Age-Friendly University Global Network). She was introduced to the labyrinth in 2007 and completed Veriditas Labyrinth Facilitator training in 2015. Since that time, she has served as the UCO Campus Labyrinth Coordinator where she has been instrumental in bringing a second labyrinth to the UCO campus, creating an endowed foundation account to support labyrinth work, and maintaining a robust schedule of labyrinth events and workshops at UCO and in the community. Powers has collaborated with students and colleagues to conduct research on the labyrinth primarily focused on the benefits of labyrinth use and models using the labyrinth as a tool for reflective learning in her physical activity and aging courses. She is the Research Chair for the Labyrinth Society and is an active member of the Veriditas Higher Education Committee.
Registration:
CNE 1.0 ANCC contact hours.
$20 for Members; $40 for Nonmembers
2023 FCNI Virtual Annual Conference
FCNI Annual Conference: Exploring Dimensions of Grief and Bereavement
- Ambiguous Loss: Unresolved Closure, Ambiguous Loss, and Irresolvable Grief by Kathy Schoonover-Shoffner
- Breakout Session 1: Pinwheel Model of Bereavement: A Process Model for Grief and Loss
- Breakout Session 2: Ministry of Accompaniment: A Compassionate Journey of Community
- Panel Session: Grief and Loss among Diverse Faith Traditions
2023 Webinars
- Food Insecurity in Health Care Settings: Screening and Policy Recommendations by Amanda Thurber
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- Nurses Leading Non-Profit Organizations in the 21st Century by Mary Lynne Knighten
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- FrontoTemporal Dementia (FTD): The Most Common Cause of Alzheimer’s before Age 60 by Yvette Dulohery
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- Gray Matters: Understanding Substance Use Disorders in Older Adults by Kay King
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- Spiritual Practice and Self-care for FCNs by Esther Brown
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