Parish Nurse

Vicky Mansson, RN

"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
  ~ Philippians 4:19

Connecting for Care

Do you want your Pastor and/or Parish Nurse to know of your health problems?  Do you want spiritual support during your illness or hospitalization?  If so, please let us know.  We want to know when you are facing health problems.  We suggest that you or a family member contact the church when there is a need.  We would prefer two or three phone calls, rather than none. 

Please don’t hesitate because you think the Pastor /Parish Nurse is too busy.  Your situation is worthy of our time and energy.  Hospitalization and illness is significant and often spiritual support can be helpful.

If you are concerned about privacy, just let us know.  We will not share information unless you give us permission.

Maybe you think it’s not serious enough.  Often we are reluctant to admit the seriousness of a health issue.  A spiritual support visit my help greatly in dealing with your illness.  If it is not serious, then we can rejoice with you and give thanks to God.

The Parish Nurse can also serve as a health care advocate.  She can use her medical knowledge to help you successfully navigate our complex medical system.

So, please tell your Pastor and / or Parish Nurse about health concerns and notify us when you are admitted to the hospital.  Your health and well-being are important to us.

Current Health Issues

A Happy, Healthy New Year 

“I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you.  I am like a tree that is always green; all your fruit comes from me.”   - Hosea 14:8 

What are you going to do for your health this year?  Are you going to keep all of your old habits and ignore healthier ones?  For example have you considered limiting your meals at fast-food restaurants?  Can you develop healthier choices at the grocery store?  Will you improve your exercise habits by walking or joining a health club?  Have you considered the health benefits of practicing self care and a well-balanced lifestyle?  Any and all of these will guide you to a healthier life.

Changing old habits or creating new ones is hard, but making healthier choices will improve your life by preventing heart disease, diabetes, and even some cancers.  Choosing healthier foods and losing excess weight will also impact the physical problems you have from the added stress that weight adds to your joints.  This year make a vow to become healthier.  Change your dietary choices, add movement and exercise to your day, and ask God for the strength to follow your plan.  Change begins with baby steps which you add to as you experience success.

Besides improving your physical health, what can you do to improve your mental, emotional and spiritual health? What are your interests?  Do you like to talk with people, visit the homebound, tutor young children, or help with the disabled?  Explore your community for organizations or agencies where you could volunteer in those capacities and pick a project.  Good health is more than eating right: it is sharing the love of Jesus Christ by sharing your time and talents.  Giving of yourself benefits the recipient as well as you.  It improves your mental health by focusing on others rather than yourself and grows your spiritual life as you demonstrate your faith, so start volunteering today!

Every 6 months or 15,000 miles, a car is taken in for a checkup and regular maintenance so why wouldn’t you do the same for your body?  God gave us one body and the responsibility of keeping it healthy and strong.  It is up to you to watch over it and to pay attention to signs that indicate you need to make changes in your lifestyle.  If you are committed to change, we will all see a new and improved you by December 2010.

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday  9 - 12
Office Phone - 751-3699 ext. 26
Home Phone - 444-0229

 Please leave a message on my voicemail and I'll return your call as soon as possible.  Do not hesitate to call me at home.

What is a parish nurse?

A Parish Nurse is an RN who ministers to her faith community and promotes disease prevention, healthy habits, exercise programs, and provides health screening and educational awareness to the congregation.

She functions according to the Scope and Standards for Parish Nursing: Health Counselor Educator Advocate

• Making referrals as indicated
• Acting as liaison to the community
• Keeping communication open with pastors, health care agents, and parishioners
• Teaching volunteers
• Offering healing tools: through kindness, listening, and prayer