Would you use a hospital chaplain?

[Depleted]

Here is my take on this.
If all belivers were members of a local church as they should be, and the pastor of that church was doing what he should, there would be no need for chaplians.

And, here's my take -- if we could be members of a local church we would be, but we can't be, so we aren't. (I can't imagine we're the only ones like us.)

Problem: That really didn't clear up "hospital chaplain" at all.

 

[Depleted]

Where to start…

Most hospitals require chaplains to have a masters, internship and have served in a (paid or not paid) one year resident program. As far as education vs. salary goes, they are an underpaid group of professionals. Hospitals have many different types of chaplains (mostly mainstream Christian or Catholic). Chaplains do so much more than make rounds and pray for families in need.

*In many level one trauma hospitals chaplains are required to respond to every trauma.
* In many hospitals they serve as ministers to the hospital staff, specifically pediatric staff, surgeons, ER and trauma staff who see a lot of death.
*In many hospitals chaplains complete end of death paperwork, work with nurses to prepare the dead bodies before families come in to say goodbye
*Many surgical staff use chaplains as a go between to families, they must understand medical terminology
*Chaplains are trained in death and dying counseling and take many of the same courses as MSWs
*Chaplains serve as a spiritual guide in the hospital, many sit on ethics boards, provide spiritual guidance to hospital boards, etc.
*Chaplains in most university and education hospitals are viewed as essential staff
*Chaplains do have to meet a pt's spiritual need. If the pt needs a Catholic priest, the chaplain calls their priest or calls one from a provided list
*Chaplains are allowed in the surgery rooms. I know a surgeon who if they know their pt wants prayer will have a chaplain come in and pray during the surgery
*In some hospitals chaplains are used to call parents of children/teens who have been in accidents, traumas, etc.
*Because chaplains have counseling and crisis intervention training many times chaplains can deescalate a situation between families and criminals…. Example: Someone is shot and or high yelling at staff, etc. Or if families are upset at one another and fighting, the chaplain can come in and resolve so that security isn't needed.
*Many chaplains serve in our military

You don't have to see a chaplain, many Christians use their own pastor or a local minister. However, sometimes chaplains have medical training or have dealt with end of life matters far more than a pastor and can be a great help to families in need.

Quick questions before I absorb your post. Is this "have to be" state law or national law? And, if state law, which state? We are from the United States, but let's face it, we're not that all united like the name claims. lol

 

[MsKy]

I am only familiar with hospitals that are teaching hospitals or university hospitals in the midwest. Most level one trauma hospitals utilize chaplains at all of their traumas. Some hospitals even require chaplains to be present for any extubation. This is only my opinion which means nothing. The people that I know who are hospital chaplains take their role in spiritual care very seriously. It seems to be a draining position. They work with death constantly, minister to families as well as to staff. Some sit on ethics committees and review boards. Again, I only know people who work at University/Research hospitals. The experience may be different in a smaller hospital or in a hospital that is less progressive.

 

[Depleted]

I am only familiar with hospitals that are teaching hospitals or university hospitals in the midwest. Most level one trauma hospitals utilize chaplains at all of their traumas. Some hospitals even require chaplains to be present for any extubation. This is only my opinion which means nothing. The people that I know who are hospital chaplains take their role in spiritual care very seriously. It seems to be a draining position. They work with death constantly, minister to families as well as to staff. Some sit on ethics committees and review boards. Again, I only know people who work at University/Research hospitals. The experience may be different in a smaller hospital or in a hospital that is less progressive.

Ah, hubby has been in two teaching hospitals but in the Mid Atlantic States. He was extubated three times, (assuming a trach counts too.) No chaplain required. (I was there when a doctor took out his trach the other day. He was so happy that it's two days later and he's still showing off no tubes in his neck. lol)

 

[MsKy]

I should have been more clear, I meant terminal extubation.

Happy for your husband… No tubes is a good thing!

 

[Depleted]

I should have been more clear, I meant terminal extubation.

Happy for your husband… No tubes is a good thing!

I am so glad it wasn't terminal!

lol