Desert Palms’ Congregational Nurse
General Job Description: Ellen’s primary responsibility as a part-time congregational nurse is multi-faceted. In a broad, general sense, she is to provide health/wellness education; and is to serve as a personal health counselor and link individuals with community health resources that meet their needs. She sees her focus as that of physical, emotional, and spiritual wholeness. More specifically, her work involves communicating with congregational members through printed materials (such as articles she has supplied for The Palms), workshops, health fairs, and other health-directed programs. Further, she is a resource person for support groups, and is available as a health counselor, and serves as a liaison to community resources for individuals in need…Also, she is involved in the training of volunteers who can extend nursing services to congregational members.
Since a misconception often is held concerning the expected roles of a congregational nurse, it is worth noting that a congregational nurse does NOT provide hands-on nursing care, such as administering medications; nor serve as a substitute for pastoral care, medical care, community health nursing, or social service agency services.
Most rewarding Part of Job: Ellen says the opportunities she has to provide needed information and emotional and spiritual support to persons as they journey through life’s transitions is highly rewarding. Too, she appreciates the many opportunities she has to work closely with people and to form closer relationships.
Challenging Part of Job: A challenge lies in the fact that her position is part-time, and there are limited resources. There is far more to be done than there is time; and more resources would be helpful. Also, as with most service providers, having to limit personal involvement continues to be a challenge.
Work Experience and Training: Ellen has been involved in the nursing field for 38 years, and Arizona is the seventh state in which she has held a license! She graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), and received a master’s degree (MSN) in nursing from Boston College. She has taken additional coursework at Cleveland State University, University of Akron and Bowling Green State University.
Her work experience has focused primarily on nursing education and community health. She has taught at Boston College, Creighton University, St. Anselm’s College, and Western Michigan University. Ellen was in pubic health work in upstate N.Y. and in inner city Boston. For 13 years she served as a school nurse for high school students and staff in Lakewood, Ohio. She indicated she has had an interest in working with the aging population for some time, and community health nursing has been of special interest. Ellen began her work at Desert Palms on January 31, 2006.
Off-job interests: Ellen says she is an avid reader, and likes to walk, swim, and bike when she has time. Also she enjoys gardening, and is finding gardening in the desert to be a challenge!
Personal notes: Ellen was born in Iowa, and lived on a farm during her younger years. She married Dave Van Arsdale, current pastor of Faith Presbyterian Church in Sun City, after receiving her undergraduate degree in 1968. They have three sons: Mark, who resides in Anchorage, AK; Joel, in Washington, D.C.; and Adam, in Ann Arbor, MI. Also, she and Dave are the proud grandparents of two-year old Brock and one-year old Maisy. Besides Iowa, Ellen has lived in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Nebraska, Ohio, Michigan, and now in Sun City—and she says she and Dave plan to stay in the Sun Cities. Ellen feels it was God’s leading that brought her to Desert Palms. She enjoys the luxury of a part-time position, and the opportunity to work in her field of nursing in a pleasant environment. Ellen’s professional experiences, her dedication and love of her work are obvious. She conveys a genuine interest in the well-being of the whole person. Her friendly, pleasant and positive approach are assets…the Desert Palms family is fortunate to have Ellen as a staff member.
Note: Ellen’s office hours are generally: Monday: 8-4 p.m., Wednesday: 8-4 p.m., and by appointment. Ellen can be reached by calling the church office (623-584-4602) and leaving a message with the office staff. Also, brochures describing her ministry will be available during Coffee Hour in Fellowship Hall most Sundays or in the Church Office. If you haven’t already met Ellen, take a moment to meet and greet her!
