…the heart of the faith community nursing movement,
Acting locally, inspiring globally
Formerly the International Parish Nurse Resource Center, the Westberg Institute for Faith Community Nursing is a ministry of Church Health. As a leader in faith community nurse (FCN) education, consultation, and research for over 30 years, the Westberg Institute serves health ministry programs worldwide. Its mission is to promote the development of high-quality outcomes-based FCN practice as part of an overall health ministry program.
International Westberg Symposium
The Westberg Symposium is a professional meeting for FCNs and others interested in the specialty practice of faith community nursing. It began in 1986 and honors the Rev. Dr. Granger Westberg, the founder of the current parish nurse movement. Attendees from both the United States and many other countries worldwide gather for inspiration, fellowship, continuing education, spiritual renewal, research updates and practice ideas.
As the largest gathering of faith community nurses in the world, the Westberg Symposium offers a wide variety of education and networking opportunities, including the World Forum.
Educational Curricula
Various courses developed by faith community nursing practice experts and coordinated by the Westberg Institute are taught internationally by educational partners through hospitals, organizations, and networks.
CNE Provider Unit
The Westberg Institute is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the Tennessee Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
Course Topics
Foundations of Faith Community Nursing
Foundations of Faith Community Nursing is a 38-hour course focusing on the entry-level knowledge necessary for FCN practice. Its sections include spirituality, professionalism, wholistic health and community. This course fulfills the educational requirement for board certification in faith community nursing from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
To find a course in your area, click here.
To receive the FCN monthly newsletter, contact Dr. Sharon Hinton at
FCN Coordinator Course
The FCN Coordinator Course equips FCNs in leadership and management positions to work with FCNs in various practice areas and networks. Leadership, funding, communications and documentation are included topics.
For Coordinator Course information, click here.
The Educator Course
The Educator Course provides instruction by Westberg Institute staff on how to teach the Foundations of Faith Community Nursing course as an educational partner. The modified curriculum is available to international partners to fulfill the needs and customs of healthcare practices in various countries.
For course information, click here.
For more information about the curriculum, contact Dr. Susan Jacob at
Supplemental Topics
Supplemental topics are available periodically for retreats and continuing education opportunities.
Education & Consultation
The Westberg Institute provides one-on-one, group and organizational consultation. Continuing education opportunities for various aspects of FCN health ministry, along with live and online presentations, are available. Additional services include retreats for educators and coordinators and regional network meetings. To learn about regional events, see our events calendar.
to send an inquiry to the office.
Resource Development
Materials are created and published to support the development of FCN practice using outcomes-based best practices. Click here to visit Church Health’s online resource store.
Research
The Westberg Institute research staff conducts, promotes and encourages research to advance the practice of FCN health ministry worldwide. Contact Dr. Katora Campbell at to join the Westberg Institute Research Network.
FCN Platform
The Westberg Institute knowledge-sharing platform provides online communications access to share information and resource and fellowship with one another.
Click here for more information.
Perspectives
Subscribe to receive the quarterly Perspectives newsletter, featuring research news, educational articles, and practical stories about the difference faith community nursing makes.
Click here to enter the subscription portal.