Wesley Nurse program celebrates 20 years of faith community nursing

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Methodist Healthcare Ministries' Wesley Nurse Program, a faith community nursing program committed to providing holistic care – body, mind and spirit – through education, health promotion and facilitation of community resources. The program is Methodist Healthcare Ministries' largest program geographically with plans to expand to 83 church sites in 2017.

Wesley Nurses are registered nurses employed by Methodist Healthcare Ministries but situated at churches throughout 74 counties in South Texas. They work with pastoral staff and community leaders to identify health care needs in the area and advocate for the health care needs of low-income and underinsured individuals and families. Their scope of practice focuses on the intentional care of the spirit, promotion of an integrative model of health and prevention and minimization of illness of individuals, families and communities.

"For the past 20 years, the Wesley Nurse program has done a tremendous job at building lasting and trusting relationships that allow us to successfully partner with individuals, families and communities, in rural and urban settings, to help address health needs beyond health care access.," explained Catalina Schultze-Kraft, director of regional nursing & wellness programs.

In honor of the program anniversary, Methodist Healthcare Ministries produced a special gallery entitled, "With these hands," which tells the story of Wesley Nurses through photography.

To learn more about the Wesley Nurse program, visit http://www.mhm.org/services/wesley-nurse