Parish Nurse/Pastoral Care
Jan Cauffman, RN, MSN, is the church’s Parish nurse, a resource to the congregation for all issues concerning physical, emotional, and spiritual health. She works with the ministers and volunteer Pastoral Associates to coordinate and provide pastoral care.
We encourage you to contact the Parish Nurse when:
- Hospitalized for any reason,
- A medical condition is newly diagnosed,
- A health crisis occurs, a serious illness develops,
- When facing confusing treatment options.
The nurse can help you navigate the complex medical system or find a support group or other community resource. The nurse is also available if you simply need the comfort and reassurance of a knowledgeable and compassionate listening presence.
The Parish Nurse visits members at home, in the hospital, nursing home, or Rehabilitation facility. Times of birth, new diagnosis, accidents or unexplained afflictions, challenges of chronic illness, final illness, bereavement and transitions in family life are all opportunities to utilize the perspective of the Parish Nurse.
The Parish Nurse is in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays and present at church after services on the second Sunday of each month to conduct routine blood pressure screenings and discuss any of your health concerns.
Pastoral Associates
Pastoral Associates are volunteers who work with the Parish Nurse and in partnership with the ministers to extend pastoral care to church members in need.
Pastoral Associates provide a listening ear and friendship when members need a supportive person in their lives. Supportive care may be short- or long-term and is available to anyone in the congregation. You may find a Pastoral Associate particularly helpful if you:
- Are homebound or live in a facility;
- Are living with a long-term condition;
- Are in a caretaker role
- Need regular contact over time for support, encouragement, and friendship.
To request a visit or find out more, contact the Parish Nurse.
