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Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church

 

 

Parish Nurses
Susan Ferber, RN ● Cherlynn Nelson, RN ● Sharon Mertz, RN ● Rose Mahlum, RN

Email or call 952-985-7365 to leave a voicemail and a parish nurse will contact you.

Addiction Resource Weblinks
Medical/Disablity Transportation Resources
More Web Resources

Parish nurses intend to be a knowledgeable caring presence to you in your health/faith life. Whether this is in your home, at church, at the coffee shop or on the phone.If the parish nurse doesn’t know the answer to your question directly, she generally knows who will know and can give you that information. 

Confidentiality All communications and conversations between the Parish Nurse and members will be treated in a confidential manner consistent with standards of nursing and pastoral care. No information will be divulged to staff, congregation, family, or other health care professionals without the express consent of the member.

One of the 6 roles of the parish nurse identified by the American Nurses
Association is that of health advocate.
As a health advocate the parish nurse…

  • can help individuals develop their “List of questions” for their physician or multiple physicians/caregivers.

  • can assist a member in knowing what paperwork is needed in preparing a Medical Durable Power of Attorney, and/or preparing Last Wishes—the personalized planning of one’s own funeral.

  • can help you find what Home Care or Palliative Care or Hospice Care is associated with your doctors’ clinic.

  • For the sandwich generation, they can help a congregational member define a plan of action and inquiry  for a geographically distant aging parent or relative—or even one close by.

  • promotes and advocates health and environmental issues at the local and legislative level.

  • can help you to find information about free or low cost medication or health services.

  • is prepared and flexible in providing health advocacy to all members of the congregation—whether members are in their teen years, their young and middle adulthood life, or in their senior years. No one is outside of the parish nurses’ care or concern.