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Nurse Savors Her Life And Others'

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By DEREK MAUL

Tribune correspondent

Published: November 5, 2008

PLANT CITY - Barbara Barden is one of at least 27 parish nurses working with congregations in Plant City. What sets her apart is her passion, experience and vision.

She's bursting with excitement about the Nov. 14 Seniors Savoring Life Expo at sister congregation Sunset Heights United Methodist Church, 416 Walter Drive.

Q: Why all the excitement?

A: I don't know if Plant City has ever seen anything quite like we're offering. We have around 50 booths. South Florida Baptist will bring their Wellness on Wheels van. The local blood bank is coming. We have the Memorymobile from the Alzheimer's Association. Plus, the community food bank is coming and we want everyone to bring food.

We're doing a lot of interconnected things, including a spiritual care booth and local advocacy agencies.

Q: What are the hours?

A Nine a.m. until noon on Nov. 14, followed by a free barbecue lunch. ... Everyone is welcome.

Q: Explain Seniors Savoring Life?

A: Seniors have such vitality, and if they utilize the right resources, they can enhance the possibilities for continued health and contribute to the community. We have lots of resources. People of any age will benefit - both seniors and senior advocates.

Q: How long have you been a parish nurse?

A: Since January, but I've been preparing all my life. Being parish nurse involves intentional caring, spiritual as well as physical health care. Not so much hands-on as identification of needs, assessment, planning, finding resources. It's about living life more abundantly - savoring life.

Q: Is the church excited, too?

A: Yes. Seventeen people stepped forward immediately to help; I have a great team.

Q: How long have you been involved in health care?

A: I was born and raised in Logansport, Ind. 1940. I earned a two-year diploma from Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis in 1962, I received my bachelor's from Indiana University in 1968, and then my master's in public health from the University of Washington Seattle in 1970.

Q: What specialty?

A: In Washington I studied under Dr. Laurie Gunter and became one of the first gerontology nurses in the country. Then, in 1971, I went to Penn State and taught in the College of Human Development.

Q: How did you get to Florida?

A: A friend and I decided to head south in 1973. Tampa had the most opportunities. I worked with the Clearwater health department two years, then went to Veterans Hospital. I stayed there 20 years, 15 as outpatient administrator. I consider that my legacy.

Q: I'm guessing you didn't retire?

A: No! I worked for the state as a hospital and nursing home inspector for five years. Then I worked for the health department in Plant City.

Q: Why Plant City?

A: In 1976, I married a native Claud Barden and we've lived here 23 years. This is my husband's hometown. His grandparents - Wheeler - lived out on County Line Road. This town has a real caring atmosphere; people respond to you here.

Q: Is the parish nurse program working?

A: We've started something new almost every month. First was to reactivate the prayer ministry - prayer available for people 24/7.

We've had some miracles. From the very first, my education paired nursing and spiritual care. Then the new ministry to shut-ins. When you're absent from the body of Christ it feels as if you are abandoned.

Q: How important is spirituality in aging?

A: It's primary in the equation of how to live well. No one can be healthy without a spiritual life.

Q: Do you have a Scripture to share?

A: One Corinthians 6:19-20: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."

Q: Are you optimistic?

A: I have a vision of this church becoming a senior wellness center for holistic health. My real interest is "What can I do to impact the whole community for good?"

Q: Are you still learning?

A: I may be a nurse emeritus, but spiritually I'm very much a learner.

Correspondent Derek Maul can be reached at derekmaul

ABOUT THIS SERIES

This is an occasional series spotlighting faith leaders. Barbara Barden is parish nurse at Trinity United Methodist Church, 402 W. English St., Plant City. The church's telephone number is (813) 752-9316.

@gmail.com.

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