April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
MECHANICVILLE/STILLWATER
Parish nurse offers faith-based care
Anne Amann also leads weight-loss classes that have attracted up 20 people per session and writes weekly bulletin columns on topics like how to keep food from spoiling, mental illness, heart disease, sugar substitutes and sunscreen.
Parishioners "love it," said Mrs. Amann, who became a certified parish nurse last fall while doing nursing clinicals at St. Mary's Hospital in Troy. She also serves as a substitute school nurse. "I have had people come up to me and say they've cut [the columns] out and saved them, because it's the first time they've been informed" about a certain health topic.
Mrs. Amann will get her bachelor's degree in nursing from SUNY Empire State College in December. A nurse for 42 years, she decided to further her education when the sixth of her seven children went to college in 2009.
Much to give
She was excited to become part of Seton Health's ecumenical faith community nursing program, which promotes health and wellness in local faith communities through education, counseling, advocacy, referrals, support group development and volunteer coordination.
Currently, Mrs. Amann is available for two hours on Monday mornings or by appointment at the parish center. Only a handful of parishioners have been taking advantage of her services, but she expects interest to grow.
"I'm trying to offer them support so they can make decisions on their own," the nurse said.
Parishioners bring her medication lists and blood panels, and Mrs. Amann discusses diagnoses and suggests seeking second opinions when necessary. She encourages people to bring her their unused medications so she can use the eco-friendly disposal system she bought.
During nighttime weight loss classes she's led, she explains the benefits of organic and non-GMO (genetically-modified) foods and brings in homemade desserts, salads and herbal teas.
"They couldn't believe that [foods] could be good for you and taste good," she said, adding: "I'm teaching them to use the Mediterranean diet, which is actually the diet of Jesus. So it's spiritual."
Big plans
Mrs. Amman said that Rev. Thomas Morrette, pastor, wants to put her on the staff part-time - the parish is seeking donations and grant funding - and is renovating a room in the parish center to give her a permanent office. She wants to get wheelchairs to keep in the sanctuary and is also pushing to acquire oxygen tanks and automated external defibrillator (AED) units, which she would train community members to use.
Long-term, she wants to recruit retired nurses to be a part of a team that will visit nursing homes, hospitals and homebound individuals. v
Mrs. Amann is starting a Christian meditation session before noon Masses held each Wednesday, and Father Morrette will do anointing of the sick after the liturgies. Parishioners "can really bring down their blood pressure and relieve their stress," Mrs. Amann said.
The nurse will also start a guest-speaker program for adults and young people in the confirmation class. Adults will hear from medical professionals about eye health and diabetes; the teens will learn CPR and hear talks by pro-life doctors. Mrs. Amann also wants to start a bereavement group.
Wider community
As a parish nurse, Mrs. Amann cannot do hands-on nursing, diagnose or prescribe, but she can do basic care in an emergency and be a knowledgeable, calming presence. Her services are also advertised in a nearby Episcopal church bulletin; she plans to visit a local nursing home and advertise in a newspaper.
Parishioners have expressed concern about topics like stroke, heart disease, obesity, eyesight and preventing falls.
"We have a community of a lot of elderly people," she said. "They tend not to go to a doctor. They're just brought up that way."
Mrs. Amann says faith pervades her role: "It's body, mind and spirit. You start your time with a prayer and you end with a prayer." [[In-content Ad]]
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