Parish nurse links spiritual well-being and physical health

During a medical leave over the summer, Rev. Adam Forno, pastor of St. Joseph/St. John's parishes in Rensselaer, realized the importance of taking care of one's health.

As a result of his reflection, his parishes have finally established a parish nurse program, something he had wanted to do since he became pastor ten years ago. Judy Wainman, a registered nurse, will head the program.

"There is a definite need for integration of our faith experience with our physical and emotional needs," she said. "This program is giving us a wonderful opportunity to do just that."

Health on hand

Parish nurses are not new to the Albany Diocese. The program has grown over the past decade as more people have become aware of the importance of combining spiritual, physical and psychosocial care in a pastoral setting.

Fran Zoske, director of the parish nurse program for Seton Health/St. Mary's Hospital in Troy, said the new ministry in Rensselaer "will meet the needs of parishioners by bridging the gap between healthcare services and the faith community."

Added Mrs. Wainman: "We have an aging population, and many just don't know what resources are available to them. Some of our young families are experiencing the same dilemma."

Home town

Because Mrs. Wainman is a native of Rensselaer and a parishioner at St. Joseph's for 50 years, she feels very comfortable working there, as well as at St. John's, where she attended grammar and high school.

"I know most of the families in both parishes," she noted.

Mrs. Wainman brings a rich background in nursing to her new job, including 37 years in the fields of surgery, hematology and oncology, emergency room and industrial nursing, and employee health. She was also a school nurse for several years.

"I am ecstatic to have Mrs. Wainman as our first parish nurse," said Father Forno. "As a native daughter, a long-lived parishioner here and a graduate of St. John's Academy, she is a perfect fit as minister of health for our community. She is no stranger to ministry among us, and I see her role as parish nurse to be an extension of her special gifts of compassionate concern and care."

Pastor's vision

Ms. Zoske said that Father Forno approached Seton Health earlier this year to inquire about establishing the program.

"Father Forno's vision for a parish nurse program began years ago," she said. "We began with a health needs survey, which was completed by over 200 individuals. Leading health concerns were identified, and we have begun to establish a health ministry that will support a healthier, balanced lifestyle for those in need."

Mrs. Wainman, who is also a member of the parish ministerial team and a Eucharistic minister at St. Joseph's, will work with healthcare providers and social service agencies to coordinate services for parishioners, including free blood pressure screenings after weekend Masses, ongoing health education on resources, and education on healthy lifestyles.

"Right now, many of our people are dealing with the stress that the holidays bring into our lives," she noted. "Some are suffering from the loss of loved ones and trying to cope with their grief during this time. The parish nurse program is here to address such issues as these."

(12/9/04)