Conference Information

Purpose:  Faith community nurses are licensed, registered nurses who practice wholistic health for self, individuals and the community using nursing knowledge combined with spiritual care. They function as members of the pastoral team in a variety of religious faiths, cultures, and countries. The focus of their work is on the intentional care of the spirit, assisting the members of the faith community and other faith-based organizations to maintain and/or regain wholeness in body, mind, and spirit. (https://www.westberginstitute.org/faith-community-nursing.html). What is defined as community for a faith community nurse (FCN) can encompass the local house of worship, the local and state communities and international groups. The widening of the definition of community has been made possible by the use of the internet. Faith community nursing is a specialized and special practice of professional nursing that integrates faith and health and bridges the disciplines of nursing and ministry. These nurses serve as liaisons between the clergy and their congregations, the health system, physicians and other community agencies and resources. In their role, faith community nurses can function as health counselors, educators and advocates, resource agents, volunteer coordinators and support group developers (https://www.leehealth.org/about-us/media/dr-larry-antonucci-florida-weekly-blog/posts/faith-community-nurses-support-holistic-health).  Those attending the conference will gain an understanding of their role in their communities and take away practical tools they can use to impact their communities locally, statewide and internationally.

About Contact Hours

4.75 Contact hours applied through The Center for Nursing Leadership an approved provider of nursing continuing professional development by the South Carolina Nurses Association, accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.  

Exhibitor Information

The SCFCNA welcomes for-profit and not-for -profit exhibitors to the conference. Exhibitors will have a unique opportunity to share information about programs and services  with people interested in health ministry and/or faith community nursing. As space is somewhat limited, reservations are accepted on a first-come -first-served -basis.  Priority is given to our partnership sponsors and to applicants who follow the guidelines. To access the exhibitor information form and/or to register as an exhibitor on line at www.scfcna.com. 

Agenda for the Conference

8:30– 9:00 Registration

9:00-9:10 Welcome 

Anita Boland MN, RN

SCFCNA President

9:10-9:30 Devotion: Looking for the Holy Moments

Mary Ellen Haile MN, BSN NC-BC

ME Haile Wellness Consulting LLC

 Helen Collins RN, MN

9:30-10:30 SCNA: Faith Community Nursing and Nursing Trends in South Carolina

Angela Dykes DPN, APRN, FNP-BC   

President of the SCNA     

10:30-10:45 Break and visit vendors

10:45-12:15 The impact of the faith community on Human Trafficking

James Masse MSW             

Human Trafficking Program Coordinator    

Office of the South Carolina Attorney General

12:15-1:15 Lunch provided by Lutheran Hospice

Take time to visit vendors

1:15-2:15 DPH Resources and Collaboration with Faith Communities

Leah Dawkins RN, BSN, MHA

Lowcountry Nursing Director

SC Department of Public Health

2:15-2:30 Break and visit vendors

2:30-3:30 The Global Outreach and Impact of the Faith Community Nurse

Cassandra Alexander MAOM, BSN, RN                   

Manager, MedEx Academy & Pipeline Program  

Prisma Health Education and Research Institute

3:30-3:45 Closing remarks and evaluation