Signups are underway for the Saint Thomas Health Foundations of Faith Community Nursing program, a course that provides basic preparation for registered nurses to become Faith Community Nurses (FCN). Faith Community Nursing is a specialized area of independent nursing practice; registered nurses care for individuals and groups within a faith community and beyond to promote overall wellness.

The Saint Thomas Health FCN program will host the 40-hour course September 8 and 9 and September 22 and 23, 2017, at Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital at 1700 Medical Center Parkway, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 37129.

Classes are open to registered nurses in Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama. All classes will be held from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with all materials and meals included.

"Faith Community Nursing or 'parish nursing', as it is often called, is a role cherished by many nurses in our area," said Mary E. Donnelly, Saint Thomas Health Faith Community Nursing liaison. "This training gives nurses a chance to connect their professional skills with faith and prayer to promote whole person health."

Class fees are substantially reduced through the support of Saint Thomas Health; the class fee is $150 and includes all educational materials and two meals per day of the course. Thirty-two Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) credits are awarded for completing the course. Support from each candidate's local clergy is recommended.

FCN is recognized by the American Nurses Association (ANA) as a specialized area of nursing and one of the fastest growing movements in nursing today.

The Foundations Course is based on ANA's Scope and Standards of Practice for Faith Community Nursing and meets the requirements established by the International Parish Nurse Resource Center (IPNRC). The course focuses on the primary functions of a parish nurse: 1) integrator of faith and health, 2) health counselor, 3) health educator, 4) referral agent, 5) health advocate, 6) coordinator of volunteers and 7) developer of support groups. The course is organized around four core concepts: spirituality, professionalism, wholistic health and community.

Faith community nurses may serve their congregations in various ways, including health education, resource and referral services, home visits, health counseling, support groups, health fairs, blood pressure screening and parenting classes.

To register, visit www.sths.com, click on Classes and Events, select September 8, 2017, and click the course name. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete your registration. Class size is limited, and registration ends September 5, 2017.

For more information, contact Mary E. Donnelly, Faith Community Nursing Liaison, via email at mary.faithcommunitynursing@gmail.com or call 615.222.6603. Also visit www.STHealth.com/FCN.