Documentation is not only required by most state nurse practice acts, it is a professional responsibility outlined in the Scopes and Standards of Parish Nursing Practice. It is recommended that each parish nurse coordinator obtain a copy of the State Nurse Practice Act from their state board of nursing and a copy of the Scopes and Standards of Parish Nursing Practice through Eden Seminary Book Store.

Over the past several years, the International Parish Nurse Resource Center (IPNRC) has invested significant resources in developing a documentation system for parish nursing through focus group research and pilot testing. A newly revised manual, (summer of 2002) Integration, by Lisa Burkhart includes several new features, such as refined and simplified forms, outcomes measurement, and updated and legally reviewed policies. The cost of the manual is $30.00 and is available through the Eden Book Store Web site or by calling toll-free (877) 627-5653.

"This manual is made available to the parish nurse community for the purpose of education, to create the possibilities for research, and to ultimately facilitate a common understanding of the ministry of parish nursing practice. There is no fee for individual parish nurses who use the system. However, all parish nurses desiring to use this system are to email a request to the author, Lisa Burkhart. Health care institutions that wish to use the Integration Documentation System are to contact the author. Maintaining communication with those who use the system assists in improving the quality of the system. It is the intention of the author to work collaboratively with those using this documentation system."