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Have you ever been in a hospital?

While miracles happen there every day, so does illness, uncertainty, and even death. These times of crisis affect not only patients and their families, but also the devoted staff who serve them. Tragedy can leave us feeling vulnerable, and while there’s not always an easy answer, emotional and spiritual support can help us feel less exposed and alone. This is where professional hospital chaplains come in.

Hospital chaplains provide patients and families with spiritual guidance and care. They have various religious backgrounds and draw on insights from psychology, theology and other fields. Many, but not all, healthcare chaplains are certified by the Association of Professional Chaplains, which requires that they have a Master’s degree in a religious discipline (such as Divinity), be ordained, supported or endorsed by a religious or spiritual organization (such as a church), have completed several units of training in a clinical education program, and worked at least 2,000 hours in the field.

“As director, my job is to make sure that we have well-trained staff chaplains available to support patients, families and staff facing difficult medical choices,” said Fr. Sylvester Onyeachonam, director of Pastoral Care. “My job also is to ensure that appropriate worship opportunities are provided, and that ritual and sacramental needs are met.”

A 2016 study investigated the benefits and challenges of having medical residents and chaplain interns participate in an inter-professional curriculum in the clinical setting. One of the main findings was that the medical team perceived chaplains to be an essential source of emotional support, particularly in difficult circumstances such as when dealing with death and dying in the hospital.

Research shows that dedicated chaplains influence better decisions about care, improve clinical outcomes and enhance staff morale. Nearly half of all people say their spiritual beliefs would affect their medical decisions. Having dedicated, unbiased chaplains onsite to understand and advocate for patient spiritual needs, ensures that every patient gets the best care possible. Chaplains serve as a safe harbor and can bridge conversations other cannot. The trust established in these conversations can extend to the rest of the medical care team resulting in better communication and better outcomes.

The Gift of Chaplaincy

Every year during the last week of October, Pastoral Care Week provides opportunities to recognize spiritual caregivers and their ministry. This year’s theme, “Relevant and Responsive in Times of Crisis,” speaks to services provided in a hospital setting, as well as additional spiritual guidance provided in other environments.

• Trinity Health chaplains collaborate with local clergy to cover emergency calls 24 hours a day when families, patients and staff are at their most vulnerable.
• They conduct Hospice visits, offering bereavement programs and support to families after the death of a loved one.
• Through the Trinity Health Addiction Service program, chaplains offer weekly support to clients as they take steps towards full recovery.
• Chaplains sit on the Ethics committee, supporting the team as
  they apply principles in medical situations with ethical implications.
• They lessen unnecessary suffering and burden in moments of crisis by raising awareness of and discussing healthcare directives.

If you are not able to make medical decisions, a healthcare directive is a written legal document that explains how you want medical decisions about you to be made. It is used to guide your healthcare team and loved ones when they need to make decisions that might include special actions or emergency care.

“A healthcare directive is a gift you can give your family that provides direction on your medical wishes and alleviates fear, guilt, uncertainty and sometimes anger during intense situations where emotions run high,” Onyeachonam advises. “The best time to get your questions answered and your medical Power of Attorney paperwork completed is when you are clear-headed and not under emotional duress.”

In the spirit of giving during Pastoral Care Week, on Thursday, October 27, 5-8 p.m., the Pastoral Care Team will host a Healthcare Directive Drive at the south entrance to Trinity Hospital. Chaplains and notaries will be available to help the public quickly complete their own free healthcare directives.

By planning, you can get the medical care you want, and reduce confusion or disagreement about the choices you would want people to make on your behalf. Preparing a healthcare directive is compassionate, proactive action, that can bring peace to you and your loved ones.