In this episode of the Heart and Soul of Health Ministries podcast, Nicki Ayer interviews Aly Breisch about the process and experience of updating the Faith Community Nurse Scope and Standards

Alyson (Aly) Breisch, MSN, RN-BCAlyson completed a Post-Master’s Certificate in Health and Nursing Ministries at Duke Divinity School and School of Nursing and directed this graduate degree program for 8 years. She developed foundational curricula for faith community nursing and health ministry leadership. Alyson is a Commissioned Minister of Congregational Health in the United Church of Christ denomination. She was employed as the Parish Nurse at United Church of Chapel Hill, NC for 17 years and served as Director for Congregational Care from 2017 to 2018.

Alyson was the Health Ministries Association (HMA) Director of Practice and Education from 2006 - 2014. She was lead editor for revision of Faith Community Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice, 2nd edition, and 3rd edition. She achieved ANCC certification by portfolio in faith community nursing in 2015. In 2017, Alyson received HMA’s Wilkerson-Droege Award in recognition of her vision, creativity and faithfulness to the faith and health movement.

As the owner of Breisch Health Education, PLLC, Alyson provides faith community nursing and health ministry educational and spiritual renewal programs. She is the Executive Committee Chair of the North Carolina Nurses Association Faith Community Nursing Council. Learn more and connect with Aly on LinkedIn

Nicole (Nicki) Ayer, BSN, RN-BCNicki has been a faith community nurse since 2006. She co-coordinates a network of faith community nurses and health ministers for CHI Health. She also is a volunteer FCN for her church, and leads the congregation's Health Ministry Team. She received certification in faith community nursing in 2014 and served as ANCC Content Panel Expert from 2014-2018. She co-leads a national affinity group of FCN network coordinators for Catholic Health Initiatives. Nicki is currently pursuing her master's degree in nursing with an emphasis in education. Learn more and connect with Nicki on LinkedIn.

Resources referenced in this episode and other helpful tools: 

CHAMPS (Community Health Association of Mountain / Plains States: Cultural Competency ResourcesDepartment of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health: Cultural and Linguistic CompetencyDepartment of Health and Human Services: Think Cultural Health: Advancing Health Equity at Every Point of ContactPatient and Family Education Services – Culture Clues (University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle WAHealth Ministries AssociationFaith Community Nursing Scope and Standards 3rd edition