The ministries of Parish Nursing and Health Care Ministry was launched together in The Bahamas as Health Care Ministry [Parish Nursing] recognising that both trained clinical nurses and professionals from other disciplines were all involved in “caring ministry”.

Parish Nursing and the Health Care Ministry was introduced to The Bahamas as an extension of the Pastoral Care Ministries of Diocese 2000 & Beyond, a programme of the Anglican Diocese of The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands.

With the approval of His Grace, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands, the Coordinator of the Diocese 2000 & Beyond proramme, the Pastoral Care Ministries Coordinator, along with the assistance of a retired Nurse and former lecturer at the School of Nursing designed a course for The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

The ministry is a collaborative venture between church and state and, therefore the officials from the relevant regulatory bodies were invited to assist with the launching of this Ministry.

We were pleased therefore, that the then Minister of Health joined hands with the Diocese and launched Health Care Ministry [Parish Nursing] in The Bahamas on 4th February 2005 at the opening service held at St. Margaret’s Parish, Kemp Road, Nassau, The Bahamas.

The initial course brought together nurses from various denominations and they received their certificates and designations on 27th February 2005 at Holy Cross Parish, Soldier Road.
In attendance were the following officials holding office at that time:

Director of Nursing
Chairman of Nurses Council
Provost, School of Nursing
President, Nurses Association


Todate, we have over seventy-seven persons trained and actively engaged in the ministry as either Parish Nurses or Health & Wellness Carers. Since the ministry began in 2005 it has grown steadily and is known the "Ecumenical Health Care Ministry".

It is intended that there will be continued training and that the programme will spread throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the Caribbean. To this end, we have joined forces with the Bahamas Christian Council and by extension the Caribbean Council of Churches.

The curriculum is based on modified aspects of the Canadian Parish Nurses Association, the Australian Faith Community Nurses Ministry, and Health Care Ministry as outlined by Wayne Oates Pastoral Institute, USA.

Health Care Ministry Cabinets/Councils

This body is made up of Parish Nurses and Health and Wellness Carers who have done the Certificate Course in Health Care Ministry. Each Faith Group [Denomination] is to have a cabinet/council to address the needs of their congregation and community.

Further Training and Education

The curriculum continues to evolve with additional training modules being implemented. Upon completion of 18 CEU’s, participants on the course will receive a Certificate and designation as either a Parish Nurse or a Health & Wellness Carer. Persons who complete an additional 22 CEU’s are eligible for the Diploma. It should be noted here that the programme is strictly for volunteers and, individuals should already be trained in their respective disciplines. The initial course covered the various topics of prayer [Lectio Divina, Contemplation & Meditation], Spiritual Growth, Grief, Loss and Bereavement, HIV/AIDS, Caring for persons with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s and Victims of Abuse.

Current Modules:

Theology of Caring Ministry
Caring for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS
Home & Hospital Visitation Skills for Parish Nurses/Health & Wellness Carers
Sharing Your Faith with those Whom You Care For
Nurturing Your Soul with God's Word
How to take Health & Healing to the Community using God's Word

In February 2009 we will partner with the Roman Catholic Church - Samaritan Ministries and persons will be trained with specific intent to minister to persons with HIV/AIDS.   We hope to introduce the following new subjects: Emergency Preparedness, Caring for the Mentally Challenged, Caring for those affected by Domestic Violence, End of Life Transition, Recognising Symptoms of Demenita and Alzhemier's and the Gift of Healing.

To enhance spiritual development and growth the following books have been suggested and can be ordered from Amazon.com:

Healthcare Ministry -Author: Gerald A. Arbuckle
Called to Care-Author[s]: Judith Allen Shelly & Arlene B. Miller
Prayer in Nursing-Author: Mary Elizabeth O’Brien
Spiritual Care: A guide for Caregivers-Author: Judith Allen Shelly


We encourage persons who have already completed the course and received their certificates and/or diplomas to consider taking the next step and begin training in “Clinical Pastoral Education” with the College of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy [Bahamas/Caribbean] chapter and to continue their personal training by becoming members of the Order of St. Luke, an international healing ministry which has a chapter in The Bahamas.

For assistance in planning training sessions you may contact the council.

Administrative Team:

Chairman - RN Kathleen Johnson, Parish Nurse
Vice Chairman - Brenda Duvalier, Health & Wellness Carer
Assistant - Nurse Lyndianna Rahming, Parish Nurse
Executive Council Member: Rt. Nurse Mary Johnson, Parish Nurse
Executie Council Member:  RN Glendina Minus, Parish Nurse
Public Relations: Pastor Jarenda Rahming, Health & Wellness Carer
Education Division: Nurse Sandra Johnson, Parish Nurse
Spiritual Formation: Rev. Angela Palacious, Mrs. Cecilia Askew

 
MEMBER CHURCHES 

Anglican
All Saints on Calvary Hill
Church of the Epiphany
Christ Church Cathedral
Holy Cross Parish
St. Agnes Parish
St. Ambrose of Milan
St. Barnabas Parish
St. George's Parish
St. Gregory's Parish
St. Margaret's Parish
St. Matthew's Parish
St. Anne's Parish - 2012

Baptist
Macedonia Baptist Church
New Destiny Baptist Church
St. Mark's Native Baptist

Others
Church of God Of Prophecy
Faith Temple Church of God
Golden Gates Outreach Ministries
Voice of the Watchman Ministry
Evangelistic Assembly

Partners

Roman Catholic Archdiocese of The Bahamas, Samaratin Ministry

Caring Ministry Links: 

Canadian Association for Parish Nursing Ministry
International Order of St. Luke [Healing Ministry]
International Parish Nurse Resource Center


Clinical Pastoral Education
College of Pastoral Supervision &  Psychotherapy [Bahamas/Caribbean] Chapter 

Contacts

Name: Ecumenical Health Care Ministry
Email: ecumenical.hwcpn@gmail.com