Most often, a parish nurse program comes about in an individual congregation through the efforts of a congregation member who is a nurse with a vision of healing. Rosvi Casteel RN, came to Paisley United Methodist Church with her husband, a retired Air Force Officer and business executive. From the onset, she shared with the congregation a commitment to creating a parish nurse program. This is especially important as we are 45 miles from the nearest doctor or medical facility. Fortunately, she has over twenty year's professional nursing experience in top level hospital settings and various specialities.Rosvi's first step was to develop a program of support for the Paisley community. She wrote a proposal to the board of the church to build this health program. It was approved and with the support of the Paisley Lioness, the Paisley Lions, and the Paisley Sunshine Club, she was then on her way.
As the parish nurse, Rosvi's role is one of coordinator of the Paisley communities health activities and programs. She starts up new programs, supervises, and supports the ones in progress. She will provide blood pressure screening at the community center, special health education classes, and contacts with expectant and new mothers, and bereavement visits. She spends a lot of her time assisting those with health problems in their homes, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.
She is also the Co-chairperson for the new Paisley Wellness Center. In addition to that role she is the only volunteer R.N.s that donates one day a week to staff the Nurses Station at the new Paisley facility.
What makes this model of parish nursing unique, is the diversity of denominations represented and the fact that the parish nurse is non-paid. All of her expenses, supplies, and equipment are paid out of her own pockets. She believes that the diversity of our environment creates a richness of opportunity to learn from others and to discover what is shared versus what divides.
The main feature of the Paisley Parish Nursing Program is providing a registered nurse committed to helping the community stay well physically and spiritually. The nurse serves as a member on the ministry team of the church. The parish nurse also informs the congregation of the services she can provide.
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Who is the Paisley Parish Nurse?
