Leann Kaufenberg is our Parish Nurse. She is part of the St. Croix Valley Parish Nurse Program at Lakeview Hospital and originally began our parish nurse program in 1998.
“Parish Nursing is the specialized practice of nursing that focuses on the intentional care of the spirit as part of the promotion of wholistic health and the prevention of illness in the faith community.” (Catholic Parish Nurse Brochure)
Leann visits parishioners in their homes, at nursing homes, and hospitals as well as through telephone contacts. She provides information in response to personal health concerns and assists people in connecting with community resources or parish volunteers to provide supportive care to family members. She works closely with the priests and deacons to provide pastoral outreach to hospitalized parishioners and family members who are grieving the death of a loved one. She facilitates the connection between parishioners in need of some assistance and parishioners willing to provide a meal or a ride to the doctor or church. As a member of St. Michael’s Wellness Committee she provides wellness programs and information to the parish. Leann serves on the board for the Catholic Parish Nurse Association and the Coalition of Ministry Association.
Some of the health and wellness programs that the Parish Nurse has been involved with this past year include:
· Monthly blood pressure screening serving over 150 parishioners and staff.
· Coordination of the Healthcare Directive Workshop which will be held again this September.
· Liaison for the cancer support group.
· Coordinated with a Census Bureau representative four opportunities for potential employees to take the application test for employment.
· Provided health information to parishioners in the Steeple View and on the parish bulletin board pertinent to emergency preparedness, H1N1 flu, community resources for the economic downturn, summer safety tips, etc.
· Provide resource information for the library such as the new book, The Complete Guide to Senior Care.
· Leann is committed to helping St. Michael’s be a place of health, healing, and faithfulness to God’s call to serve others recognizing that spiritual care is integral to overall health.
Some of the health and wellness programs that the Parish Nurse has been involved with this past year include:
- Monthly blood pressure screening serving over 140 parishioners and staff.
- Coordination of the Healthcare Directive Workshop last fall.
- Liaison for the cancer support group.
- Established a Wellness Committee who organized the Women’s Heart Health Event in February and the Men’s Health Event in June.
- Presented a special hand-washing program for the Ark of Angels Preschool.
- Provided health information useful to parishioners in the Steeple View and on the parish bulletin board.
- As the parish nurse, Leann is committed to helping St. Michael’s be a place of health, healing, and faithfulness to God’s call to serve others.
Monthly Blood Pressure Screening is held the second weekend of the month after all of the Masses in the Parish Office Board Room. Blood pressure checks are also available by appointment with the Leann Kaufenberg, Parish Nurse. Call 379-1266 to make an appointment.
