The West Virginia University School of Nursing offers a Faith Community Nursing course for individuals interested in helping to address the unique needs of faith-based organizations. The professional practice of faith community nursing focuses on the intentional care of the spirit as part of the process of promoting holistic health and preventing or minimizing illness in a faith community.

Course Description: Holistic Nursing Care

This six-week, fully online course provides nurses with an in-depth understanding of holistic nursing principles, theories, and practices. Designed for those interested in integrating holistic approaches into their nursing practice or those preparing for certification, the course explores key topics such as therapeutic communication, complementary and alternative therapies, self-care strategies, and culturally competent care. The curriculum aligns with the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) standards and serves as an excellent preparation for nurses seeking certification in holistic nursing. Through recorded lectures, expert interviews, national resources, and interactive discussion boards, participants will engage with evidence-based holistic care methods that promote healing, well-being, and patient-centered care.

Learners will examine holistic nursing models, and apply them to real-world patient scenarios. The course also emphasizes the importance of self-care for nurses, mindfulness techniques, and ethical considerations in holistic practice. Participants will gain practical knowledge on integrating holistic nursing principles into diverse healthcare settings while developing skills in leadership and advocacy for holistic health. With no required in-person meetings, this flexible and accessible course is ideal for busy professionals looking to expand their holistic nursing expertise and prepare for certification.

Please feel free to reach out to Dr. Angel Smothers with questions (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

This course is a multi-part, hybrid offering that provides the foundational education necessary to prepare state-licensed RNs to enter the practice faith community nurse ministry in their respective congregation or faith community. The course is open to people of all faiths and religions. Foundations of Faith Community Nursing is a collaborative course offering of Sanford Health and Augustana University. It is based on the curriculum developed through the Westberg Institute for Faith Community Nursing, which curriculum is owned by the Spiritual Care Association, 505 Eighth Avenue, Suite 900 New York, NY 10018.

Did you know that 60% of faith community members surveyed in Linn County, Oregon would seek the advice of a faith community nurse if one were available? Are you called to this nursing practice specialty promoting health and wellness of the mind, body, and spirit?

The course will be ELEVEN half-day sessions held on Zoom from 8am – 1:00pm on the following Mondays and Tuesdays: October 20-21, 2025, October 27-28, 2025, November 3-4, 2025, November 10-11, 2025, November 17-18, 2025, & November 24, 2025. Please also save the date for our in-person graduation/dedication ceremony to honor our graduates on Sunday, November 30, 2025 from 2pm-4pm at a location in Lebanon, OR to be announced later. All times are Pacific.

A limited number of scholarships are available upon request for residents of Linn, Benton, and Lincoln Counties in Oregon.

The Foundations of Faith Community Nursing Course is based on the 2024 curriculum developed through the Westberg Institute for Faith Community Nursing, which curriculum is owned by the Spiritual Care Association of New York, NY, 500 7th Ave, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10018. This curriculum is updated every five years and reflects the most current ANA Scope and Standards of Practice and ANA Faith Community Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice at the time of publication. The curriculum is 36.5 hours with an additional 4.5 hours added to address Oregon State Board of Nursing and spiritual equity topics relevant to faith community nursing practice in Oregon. Please do not register for the course if you are unable to attend all the sessions. Thank you!

Join us to honor our Faith Community Nurses and Health Ministers who completed the course this year! Light refreshments will be served after the ceremony.

• check out registration details at www.fcnrockies.org 39.5 contact hour Westberg Foundations course curriculum
• Thursday nights online 5:30 - 8:30 Mountain time with 30 minute break for 11 weeks
• In-person commission service in Denver on Saturday, April 18, 2026 (zoom possible)
• Partial scholarships may be available for FCN in the Rockies members
• Trained experienced faculty with content expert guest speakers
• RNs in supportive oncgrgations who feel called to learn to spirutal practice of nursing.