Faith Community Nursing
According to the American Nurses Association, the goals of a Faith Community Nurse are the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities; the prevention of illness and injury; and the alleviation of suffering in the context of the values, beliefs, and practices of a faith community. Seneca Presbyterian Church is an example of a faith community. Specifically, within this setting, the Faith Community Nurse is recognized as a Parish Nurse.
Since 2014, Seneca Presbyterian has employed a baccalaureate prepared Registered Nurse, Ernie Lombard, as their Parish Nurse. Ernie received his Bachelor of Science in nursing degree from Clemson University and is a native resident of Oconee County. After employment at Seneca Presbyterian Church, he completed the Foundations of Faith Community Nursing curriculum at Gwinnett Medical Center in Lawrenceville, Georgia.
As many know, healthcare can be complicated. In order to maneuver through the system, information and advocacy is often important. Ernie refers to himself as “a resource for the parishioners of Seneca Presbyterian Church and for the community which they serve.” He further states, “By my being available and offering information, I feel that the folks at Seneca Presbyterian are in a better position to make informed health-care decisions than some. It is a privilege to be involved in the parishioners’ lives.”
