|
|
|
St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg
2020 - Hospital Chaplain
Having done my CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) training in Winnipeg during my ministerial formation, I had some connections and experience in the hospitals who encouraged and welcomed me to take a position in the St. Boniface Hospital Spiritual Care in January of 2020, as I had just returned to Canada from Europe. My background as a nurse was a real benefit in navigating and communicating in the medical environment and being fully present as a member of the interdisciplinary medical team. I feel very at home in this hospital setting. Working as a hospital chaplain during the beginning of the pandemic was a uniquely challenging and rewarding experience. As the pandemic swept across the country, hospital staff faced unprecedented challenges in caring for patients and keeping themselves safe. As a chaplain, my role in supporting patients, families, and staff became even more critical.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was the limitations on in-person visits. To prevent the spread of the virus, hospitals restricted visitors and implemented strict safety protocols. This meant that many patients were isolated from their loved ones and faced tremendous anxiety and uncertainty. Our Spiritual Care Team had to find creative ways to connect with patients and provide them with spiritual and emotional support. This included using video chat and phone calls to reach patients and offering virtual worship services and support groups.
Another challenge was the emotional toll of witnessing so much suffering and loss. As a chaplain, it was my role to support not only patients but also their families as they faced the difficult decisions and grief associated with serious illness and death. The needs of the medical professionals and supporting staff also increased as the constant tension took a toll on people's emotional, spiritual and physical health.
Despite the challenges, there were also many rewards to working as a hospital chaplain during the pandemic. I was humbled by the resilience and courage of patients, families, and staff in the face of such difficult circumstances. It was an honor to be able to provide comfort, support, and a listening ear to those in need. I also witnessed firsthand the power of faith and spirituality in helping patients and families find strength and meaning in the midst of adversity.
Overall, this experience serving as a hospital chaplain was a profound and transformative part of my ministry. It reinforced for me the importance of adaptability, resilience, and compassion, and the powerful impact of providing spiritual care.
Having done my CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) training in Winnipeg during my ministerial formation, I had some connections and experience in the hospitals who encouraged and welcomed me to take a position in the St. Boniface Hospital Spiritual Care in January of 2020, as I had just returned to Canada from Europe. My background as a nurse was a real benefit in navigating and communicating in the medical environment and being fully present as a member of the interdisciplinary medical team. I feel very at home in this hospital setting. Working as a hospital chaplain during the beginning of the pandemic was a uniquely challenging and rewarding experience. As the pandemic swept across the country, hospital staff faced unprecedented challenges in caring for patients and keeping themselves safe. As a chaplain, my role in supporting patients, families, and staff became even more critical.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was the limitations on in-person visits. To prevent the spread of the virus, hospitals restricted visitors and implemented strict safety protocols. This meant that many patients were isolated from their loved ones and faced tremendous anxiety and uncertainty. Our Spiritual Care Team had to find creative ways to connect with patients and provide them with spiritual and emotional support. This included using video chat and phone calls to reach patients and offering virtual worship services and support groups.
Another challenge was the emotional toll of witnessing so much suffering and loss. As a chaplain, it was my role to support not only patients but also their families as they faced the difficult decisions and grief associated with serious illness and death. The needs of the medical professionals and supporting staff also increased as the constant tension took a toll on people's emotional, spiritual and physical health.
Despite the challenges, there were also many rewards to working as a hospital chaplain during the pandemic. I was humbled by the resilience and courage of patients, families, and staff in the face of such difficult circumstances. It was an honor to be able to provide comfort, support, and a listening ear to those in need. I also witnessed firsthand the power of faith and spirituality in helping patients and families find strength and meaning in the midst of adversity.
Overall, this experience serving as a hospital chaplain was a profound and transformative part of my ministry. It reinforced for me the importance of adaptability, resilience, and compassion, and the powerful impact of providing spiritual care.
