Hello Parish of St. Joseph,

My name is Mary Bohlen and I am your new Parish Nurse. While this role is new for me, I am not new to nursing, having been a nurse in various capacities and institutions for the past 25 years.

Frequently, folks ask what a parish nurse does – well, here’s the short version:

• A parish nurse (PN) provides surveillance for members and refers to physicians for diagnosis and treatment
• A PN teaches families about medications but does not dispense them
• A PN understands the spiritual dimension and need of clients and makes referrals to clergy, spiritual leaders, or other leaders in faith communities
• A PN assists faith leaders with the physical / health-related issues of members
• A PN works with volunteers to provide assistance to members of the faith community
• A PN helps improve the health of both the faith community and its leaders
  In the Christian faith, a PN follows the biblical mandate to preach, teach, and heal (Deaconess Parish Nurse Ministries, 2009)
  

I’m honored to carry on the important work conducted by our two outstanding former parish nurses – Diane O’Brien and Sister Kathy Scott. Both have been extremely gracious in welcoming me and sharing vital information. I will also need the help of each of you, the parishioners of St. Joseph. If you would like to hear more about various health topics, if you need health advice or assistance, if you’d like to be visited in the hospital or at home, or receive help in other ways - please contact me via e-mail or by phone. Once my schedule settles down a bit, I hope to establish regular office hours. Until then, feel free to drop by and say hello if I’m in the office (located in the Burke Center). I look forward to serving you.

Wishing you joy and good health,

Mary Bohlen RN
St. Joseph Parish Nurse
708.798.0622