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 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
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The first article I write every month is usually devoted to a topic pertaining to our spiritual health. This week I’m borrowing from a source near and dear to me – Father Kozak. Lent is always a great time to do serious self-reflection, and while speaking last week on the Transfiguration, Father challenged us to do some conscience examination. What issues in your life "transfigure" you – both negatively and positively? Has anger, bitterness or hopelessness with a situation raised stumbling blocks? Conversely, how am I doing with positive attributes such as compassion, empathy, kindness or gratitude? For me personally, I know with God’s help I can do can do better decreasing the negative and increasing the positive.
In this spirit, I’d like to share how grateful I am to be in such a wonderful, fun, talented, caring parish. Last Saturday, I saw all these values in action. What a privilege! Together, our school and parish children raised more than $600.00 for the American Heart Association. A heartfelt THANK YOU to all the children who participated in Jump Club, the participants in our Jump Rope for Heart Event, the parents who brought the children over to the gym and helped raise donations, and our donors who gave so selflessly. A special mention goes to the Joy family, who raised a significant portion of our total, Mrs. Pat Hoffmann who steadfastly partnered in the effort, and Eighth-grader Hannah Bohlen —whose help in everything is so deeply appreciated, and without whom my life would lack so much joy.
Wishing you joy and good health,
Mary Bohlen, RN
708.798.0622;
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