OT: starting monday

Hey all, Bright and early Monday morning, I will be one of the new chaplains at Erlanger Hosptial in Chattanooga, TN.  All seminarians have to do this to graduate, but I am also interested in doing full-time after I am ordained.  I have posted a couple of times on the main board about people's feelings about hospital chaplains. I would love to have your opinion about this as I start.  Were you visited by a chaplain?  Was it helpful?  How was it not helpful?  What did they do or NOT do with you that was good or bad.  I hope to come in to contact with some WLS patients to comfort them, but you never know.   Thanks guys Rachael

Wow, that is really neat. As a PK (Baptist preacher's kid) I literally grew up in nursing homes and hospitals watching my dad hold hands of sick and dying people and it was always amazing how much he did NOT say, especailly when they were dying. Some of my most memorable times were when people would really, really want to hear a certain song. Music is so soothing to the soul. Usually a hymn like Amazing Grace, It wis Well With my Soul,  or The Old Rugged Cross or some other great classic that is very comforting. But he only sang because that was his main ministyr. Sometimes he would read scripture to them and hug thier necks if he could. And upon leaving the room/home/family/bedside, the people there would think he hung the moon. I dont know if this is what you are asking but this is just my experience. I have never been visited in the hospital by a chaplain...only my own dad.  Sigh...I adore my daddy. Can you tell? It is just such an important ministry no matter who is doing it. Not just my dad.  It just can mean so much to have a Spiritual person visit you at a time like that. Thanks in advance for your ministry. Molly

I hope that the people I work with will think the things people thought about your dad.  I have heard from lots of classmates that 'just being there' with someone is really important regardless of what you say.  I always wanted to work in medicine but felt called to be in ministry.  I think this is a nice combination.   thanks for the input Rachael

I was not visited either, I am trying to remember if it would help. I think the offer is always appreciated by someone even if they are not accepting of the visit.  My little baby was in the NICU for WEEKS before I was finally approached by someone from the chaplain staff, by then I was not as receptive, being there right when things were difficult and following up is, in my opinion, the best way to go. I know I appreciate your efforts!

Wow, weeks went by???  The NICU is one of my options to choose on Monday, combined with the regular obstetrics.  I am  not sure which unit or wing I will put in for yet.   thanks for your input Rachael

WLS pts are generally hopeful and the surgery and stay in hospital is not fraught with worry.  In my experience, these are not the pts who need the spiritual support as much. In the NICU, the families are FRANTIC with worry about the precarious health of their infants and require frequent support. Things change rapidly and everything is "wait and see" which causes immense worry. And most often the babies are able to progress and move into a less intense nursery or go home, but when they do not, then the families may really need that support and spiritual guidance. These are my observations and since you mention an interest in that population I can definitely see the specialized need!

Congratulations, Rachael.  I'll be praying for you.  When I had WLS, I was in a Catholic Hospital, but I honestly do not remember if a chaplain came to visit me.  I was probably too busy throwing up to notice.   I was ill last summer (non-WLS related) and in the hospital for 4 days and a chaplain came to visit me.   She was not very friendly, so I did not ask her to pray with me.  I am very religious and would have asked her to stay but she looked like she was having a bad day so I didn't.

Thanks for your input.  No matter who we are, we all have bad days.  It's hard to leave that sort of thing at home when you come to the hospital as a chaplain.  I think that's part of the skill set that they want us to develop.   Rachael