The article on parish nursing by Patricia Nakamura [TLC, March 16] was encouraging. We are not compartmentalized (body, mind, spirit) beings and need the support and care of those who can serve in these areas with skill or be in close contact with others who can see and meet these concerns.

My late husband, Fr. John Raciappa, became acutely aware of the needs of the sick and the dying partly because of his duties as chaplain in two diocesan nursing homes. And, in 1971, he entered the R.N. program at Polk Community College in Winter Haven, Fla. His article, "A Total Ministry," was published in the American Journal of Nursing in April of 1973.

He was licensed as an R.N. in 1972 and worked for the next five years as a registered nurse while serving a nearby Episcopal church as assistant priest. His primary responsibility there was a hospital/nursing home/shut in ministry where his dual priest/R.N. vocation was used and enhanced, both at that time and throughout the remainder of his ministry. He did not remain active as an R.N., as this was not his primary calling. When his life on this earth was claimed by cancer last August, we were blessed to have, during those final days, the assistance of a compassionate and capable young hospice R.N. who was an active Episcopalian and gave excellent care.

Yes, let us blend our concerns and talents and strive for a "total ministry" for the total person.

Laurette Raciappa Winter Haven, Fla.