The Impact of Pet Therapy on Faith Community Nursing Practice

“The Impact of Pet Therapy on Faith

Community Nursing”           

Presented by: Linda F. Garner, PhD, RN

Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026

Time: 6 pm to 7 pm Central Time on Zoom

Description: Pet therapy is a popular form of therapy that is effective and preferred among those experiencing chronic and debilitating health conditions. It is known that animals can bring a sense of connection and healing in healthcare settings. Nurses will learn the benefits of using a therapy animal in a ministry setting. They will also learn the regulation and requirement for a therapy dog as opposed to a service animal.

Bio: Dr. Linda Garner served as nursing faculty at Baylor University for 40 years and currently serves as Lead Nurse Planner on the FCNI Education Committee.  She served for two years as a missionary and director of nursing in Bangalore Baptist Hospital in Bangalore, India. She has served as the FCN for Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, TX for more than 20 years and into her retirement from teaching. She is a Faith Community Nurse Educator and volunteers for hospice with her therapy dog. She has served on a variety of committees for FCNI and is the Chair of the Leadership Succession Committee.

Learning outcomes:

1.     Discuss the advantages of using a therapy animal in a healthcare setting.

2.     Identify 3 regulations and requirements for a therapy animal.

Registration: CNE 1.0 ANCC contact hours. Link is on the home page.

$20 for Members; $40 for Nonmembers