The Congregational Nurse Program is a unique, specialized nursing practice established as a collaborative relationship between Moses Cone Health System and the faith communities in the area. Moses Cone Health System established the program in 1998 with grants from The Duke Endowment and the Moses Cone-Wesley Long Community Health Foundation. Congregational nurses serve as volunteers or employees of the churches. Each church program is tailored to meet the needs of the individual congregations and their ability to support the various programs. Currently, there are 51 faith communities in the program.

In keeping with the mission of Moses Cone Health System, the Congregational Nurse Program will support ministries of health, caring and healing which integrate spiritual, physical, and emotional health. We support a holistic approach that values each individual's potential throughout his or her life cycle. The Congregational Nurse Program is designed to build on and strengthen capacities of individuals, families and congregational to understand and care for one another in the context of their faith and their relationship to the broader society.

Examples of service include:

• Personal health counselor to discuss health concerns with parishioner and make home/hospital/nursing home visits as needed. Nurses do not perform "hands-on" nursing care (wound care, IV's, Injections, etc.)
• Health educator to promote an understanding of the relationship between lifestyle; attitudes; faith and well-being
• Referral source to help people utilize community resources and services
• Facilitator to recruit and coordinate volunteers and support groups within the congregation.  

The program has a Health Cabinet, consisting of church members, that meets quarterly to plan health related activities and to serve as volunteers at these events.