Spiritual Leader Essay

Roxanne Gonzalez
Transcultural Health Care HLT-324V
Spiritual Leader Essay
8/12/12
Spiritual Leader Essay

A hospital is thought of as a place of healing and restoration. When devastation happens within a family and hopelessness is among those that remain, whom do you call? A hospital Chaplain is available for families in their time of need and suffering. “Many hospitals stress that although their chaplains belong to specific religious groups, the spiritual services provided are interfaith, meaning that people of all religious faiths will be respected, and that additional religious officiants can be provided upon request.” (Smith, 2012) The roll of a hospital Chaplain is to offer families or individuals spiritual support at any time. This also includes staff members. In specific situations when death is the unfortunate result of a patient, The Chaplain may be requested to be at the bedside for the remaining family members. They offer support and spiritual guidance and are available to questions and concerns about the patient’s death. They may refer the family to outside services for funeral planning as well. Nurses and physicians may also call upon the Chaplain for their patients that have expressed depression and despair. The patients always have the option to refuse the services of a Chaplain at any time as well. The author recalls running into the hospital Chaplain from time to time in the halls of the hospital. He was welcoming and available to answer question or concerns for those that approached him. The Chaplain may hold a spiritual service at the hospital, typically on Sunday mornings, for all who choose to attend. At the hospital of the author’s employment, there is a television channel of live broadcast for patients that are on bed rest. If a hospital is affiliated with a specific religious group, such as Catholicism, the hospital Chaplain usually represents the same denomination. Being in a place of business that is open twenty-four hours a day, multiple Chaplains may agree to shift work and hours. About a year ago, the author experienced a loss from a coworker. This coworker unfortunately took his own life. He was a long time employee at the author’s hospital and had made many friends throughout. Upon hearing of this terrible news, the hospital Chaplain was asked to speak at his memorial that was held for his coworkers. The Chaplain, Earl Howard Jr, was pleased and honored to take part of this event. During the service he empathized with his friends and coworkers and asked them to remember him and his youthful spirit. Mr. Howard wanted everyone to know that wherever he was now, he was no longer in pain. This spread comfort and relief with everyone that attended. The author has become very close to a woman pastor at her church and has asked her questions regarding death. Her name is Pastor Carolyn Smith. The following is their conversation. What are the expectations of a person’s death? “Well that is such a broad question. Mostly family will ask me if their mom or dad or whoever died is in heaven. My response is always that if they accepted Jesus Christ our Lord and savior, then they are. We as Christians are not meant to place judgment on family members whether they accepted Jesus or not. That is between them and God. For all we know they accepted Him in the last minute of turmoil. This tends to put people at ease and bring them peace.” (Carolyn, personal communication, August 12, 2012) When holding a funeral service, what are some requests for final preparations made by the family members? “A lot of family members wish to have pictures up or maybe a video played of memorable events. Some want music of that persons favorite songs. Some request to have a reception after the service as home going celebration. Others have a viewing of the casket the day before. I personal do not like the casket opened because it is a bit distracting trying to preach above it. But it is always up to the family’s request.” (Carolyn, personal communication, August 12, 2012) Are there any unusual requests made by the family members? “I have never had any unusual requests but I did have something unusual happen to me. A woman once threw herself into the open casket with her husband, as she was grieving because she did not want him to go without her. This may be another reason why I do not like open caskets!” (Carolyn, personal communication, August 12, 2012) How do people deal with knowing that death is imminent? “Not very well. They are sad and lost and some even try to commit suicide. When I lost my husband, it took me a year to stop grieving. It was very sad. If someone is sick and you know they are going to die, at least you have time to prepare yourself for death. But if someone dies suddenly, that’s the worst. I think only time and prayer for strength and comfort is what helps people heal and control their emotions. Having family and friends around you helps as well. But sometimes some people just want to be left alone. It’s all up to that person.” (Carolyn, personal communication, August 12, 2012)

References
Smith, S.E. (2012). What Does a Hospital Chaplain Do? Retrieved on August 12, 2012 from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-does-a-hospital-chaplain-do.htm.