Source: The Health Connection Newsletter | 4th Quarter 2023
Bali, Indonesia | Southern Asia Pacific Division
The Adventist Health System (AHS) of the Southern Asia Pacific Division (SSD) convened nursing leaders from hospitals and educational institutions to attend the Faith Community Nursing (FCN) Foundations training held in Bali, Indonesia, from September 24-30, 2023. Faith community nursing is a specialty of nursing where licensed registered nurses promote whole-person health for self, individuals, and the community using nursing knowledge combined with spiritual care. FCNs function in paid and unpaid positions as members of the pastoral team in various congregations, cultures, and countries. They prioritize the intentional care of the spirit, assisting the members of congregations and/or faith-based organizations to maintain and/or regain wholeness of body, mind, and spirit. At the Bali FCN training, the nurses attended an intense 40-hour course where they learned ways to provide spiritual care and minister not only to people’s physical health problems but also to their mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. “We wish to take this training to as many nurses in our hospitals,” explained JoAnn Amparo, director for the Adventist Health System in SSD. “This is much-needed training to enhance the whole person care we provide not only in our churches but also in our health institutions.”
