Catholic nurses and nursing students residing in Ocean County are invited to a “meet and greet” Sept. 13 in St. Justin Parish, Toms River, where they can network with each other learn about the National Association of Catholic Nurses, USA – a national and international professional nursing organization which promotes and supports the teachings of the Catholic Church.

NACN allows Catholic nurses to be grounded in their faith while supporting their patients and respecting their faith practices.

The organization focuses on educational programs, spiritual nourishment, patient advocacy and the integration of faith and health.  The Toms River session is the last in a series of “Meet and Greets” about the organization which have already been held in Mercer, Monmouth and Burlington counties.

The goal is to determine if there are local nurses and nursing students interested in belonging to a council if, pending the approval of Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., one is developed in the diocese.

Focusing on the history, mission and professional opportunities associated with NACN-USA, the four-hour gathering runs from 8 a.m. – noon. It also includes Mass and free continental breakfast as well as a guest speaker who will discuss “Physician Assisted Suicide and the Catholic Nurse Response,” based on the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services.

The event is open to all nurses, nurse practitioners, student nurses, health paraprofessionals and other health practitioners.

For more information, email Maria Arvonio at [email protected] or Patricia Sayers at [email protected].