Linda Radder, Parish Nurse

I have been a nurse for 30 years with the last 6 years being spent as Parish Nurse at Cross. A parish nurse is a registered professional nurse who is seen as a pastoral staff member, a health educator, a health counselor, a referral agent and a Health Care Advocate. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing and a certificate in Parish Nursing. I am trained as a CPR instructor and am finishing the certification as a Substance Abuse Counselor. I offer educational programs such as CPR, Advanced Directives, Stroke Prevention and Assessment, AODA support groups and many other programs. I also help coordinate the Food Pantry and Hot Meal Program.

I work with the Pastor visiting the sick and shut-ins and promote the overall mission and well-being of the parish. I might visit people in their homes, the hospital, or a nursing home to listen, pray, or answer questions as well as share communion. I help individuals identify, understand and cope with health-related concerns. I make many referrals to doctors, hospitals, social service agencies and other resources in the community. I also train volunteers to assist with ongoing programs and encourage a sense of community among the parish and guests.

I am divorced, and have a son and one grandson. I love putzing in my house and my garden. I love reading, walking, listening to music, going to movies, the Symphony, and spending time with my grandson and a few close friends. 

 I truly believe that Jesus reminds us in Matthew 25 what needs to be done with our lives on earth. He reminds us that we must feed those who are hungry, give those who are thirsty a drink, visit those who are sick and in prison, and clothe strangers. I can do this in my role as the Parish Nurse at Cross.  I also see miracles every day; people who don't speak to others begin to speak after they feel listened to and loved. People who would often only take or look out for themselves, now worry and wonder about others and give their time and possessions to others, instead of just taking. I see people with addictions trying to do better with their lives and I see those with chronic illnesses learning to take better care of themselves and then teaching others to do the same. I also feel that I have been so blessed in my life, that now I must share those blessings with others in my work at Cross.