Henry Ford Health Faith Community Nursing

The Henry Ford Health Faith Community Nursing Network (FCNN), established in 1994, is a leader in innovative Faith Community Nursing and health ministry practices, modeling whole-person care through spiritual, physical, mental, and relational support. The network partners with congregations across 38 states, providing web-based documentation, support, and resources to address community health needs.

Mission:

To develop and support ministries of health, wellness, and healing. Working collaboratively with congregations and community entities, the FCNN aims to:

• Promote preventive health, self-care, and access to health resources.
• Develop and support sustainable health ministry teams serving communities.
• Work collaboratively with congregations to implement programs and initiatives to address pressing community health concerns.
• Demonstrate measurable health and wellness outcomes.

About Faith Community Nursing

What is Faith Community Nursing?

Faith Community Nursing (FCN) is a specialized nursing practice that combines healthcare expertise with spiritual care to support whole-person health in communities. FCNs partner with religious congregations to promote wellness and healing, focusing on the interconnected health of spirit, body, mind, and relationships.

What Does a Volunteer Faith Community Nurse Do?

Faith Community Nurses serve congregations and communities by:

• Providing Health Education: Teaching people how to make healthy choices.
• Conducting Health Screenings: Early detection and intervention for better health outcomes.
• Offering Spiritual Support: Addressing emotional, physical, and spiritual needs.
• Managing Chronic Conditions: Supporting individuals through health counseling, check-ups, and medication management.
• Navigating Social Determinants of Health (SDOH): Helping overcome barriers like transportation, cost, and language.

Benefits of FCN Programs

For Participating Nurses:

• Enhanced Skillset: Opportunity to expand their practice to include spiritual care, holistic health approaches, and community-based nursing.
• Professional Fulfillment: Engage in meaningful work that aligns with personal values and promotes whole-person wellness.
• Leadership Development: Gain skills in program coordination, health education, and managing volunteer teams.
• Networking Opportunities: Build relationships with healthcare professionals, religious leaders, and community advocates.
• Access to Training and Resources: Participate in specialized CE-approved training in areas like spiritual care, chronic disease management, and SDOH navigation. 

For Religious Congregations: 

• Faith-Focused Health Resources: Support congregants with resources addressing physical, mental, and spiritual health. 
• Increased Capacity for Care: Ability to serve congregants dealing with health challenges, such as chronic disease or grief, with structured support. 
• Enhanced Mission Fulfillment: Aligns with the congregation’s spiritual mission to support members’ well-being and alleviate suffering. 

For Communities: 

• Improved Health Outcomes: Access to preventive care and health screenings for early detection of illnesses. 
• Support for Vulnerable Populations: Tailored programs for individuals managing chronic conditions, including support groups.
• Increased Health Awareness: Health education that empowers community members to make informed choices about their well-being. 
• Access to Research and Resources: Opportunity to participate in community health research projects that improve care for all. 

To request spiritual support for a hospitalized patient

Faith Community Nursing Documentation and Reporting System

Our secure, web-based documentation system supports Faith Community Nurses in tracking and managing patient care in 38 states. The system allows FCNs to:

• Create patient profiles and document symptoms.
• Track services provided (e.g., prayer, screenings, and referrals).
• Document new diagnoses, manage medications, and set reminders.
• Generate reports and monitor patient cost savings.
• Identify and address social determinants of health.

This tool ensures that FCNs maintain professional documentation standards, contributing to improved care coordination and health outcomes.

Watch a demonstration of the documentation system