Parish nursing: advancing practice nursing. Model for healthier communities

Advanced practice nurses (APNs) in the community are in a prime position to respond to the changing health care environment stimulated by health care reform. An emerging practice model for APNs is parish nursing, community-based nursing practice set in communities of faith. Parish nursing stimulates shared public-private partnerships and is a consumer-oriented delivery system. The article describes the models, context, and practice of parish nursing, emphasizing the problem of evaluating outcomes. It also discusses implications for research and education. Parish nursing is a significant practice model affording APNs the opportunity to contribute to healthier communities.