Tuesday 22nd July 2014
MEDIA RELEASE
Nurses serving their community through faith
Wanaka, New Zealand – The New Zealand Faith Community Nurses Association will be looking at ways to keep the ministry sustainable at its
annual conference in September this year.
The organisation, which started more than a decade ago and links church leadership with the practical skills of nursing,
provides support and education for people across Christian faith communities.
NZ Faith Community Nursing National Liaison Coordinator, Diane Webster, says, “We have witnessed the positive impact
this ministry has on both the church and community, but often the role of a Faith Community Nurse is voluntary and so it
can be a lot to ask of a nurse. The role needs to move from a voluntary role to strengthen this impact.
“This year’s conference is about exploring opportunities to make it easier for church teams and nurses to work together
and keep the ministry relevant and practical to everyone involved.“
Jo Little, a Faith Community Nurse at Windsor Park Baptist Church Mairangi Bay, says it was her attendance at a
conference five years ago that led to the role she has now.
“I’m so glad I attended that conference! It is extremely rewarding supporting people through their treatments, and
seeing positive outcomes for people during very difficult times,” she says.
“It has been such a wonderful privilege to look back over the years and see how God has called me to the place I am in
now.”
Diane says the conference is a chance for nurses from different Christian backgrounds to come together in support of one
another and to help the ministry grow in New Zealand.
“Across all denominations there is a common belief that prayer, healing and support go together. This conference has
been designed to give nurses the confidence to stand with their church leadership and help support those who are unwell
in their congregation through practical support and advice, as well as through prayer and believing for healing.”
The ‘Sustainability Of Practice’ conference will be held in Wellington from 11th to 13th September. Visit www.faithnursing.co.nz for registration details and full conference programme. A sponsorship opportunity is available.
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About Faith Community Nursing:
New Zealand Faith Community Nursing Association (NZFCNA) is a national Christian organisation that equips nurses to
serve in their local community.
Christian nurses are in a unique and privileged position as they are bilingual in faith and health. As nursing
professionals they can serve an important role in the community, promoting health and well being through education,
advocacy and care management as well as providing pastoral support through a church fellowship.
Whether it is guiding someone through the health care system, or sharing their journey of faith, Faith Community Nurses
are passionate about providing truly holistic healthcare.
For more information visit www.faithnursing.co.nz.