Chaplain (Egh)

Summary

Provides spiritual and pastoral care to patients and families (and, at times, staff or others from the community-at-large) in times of stress, crisis, trauma or critical illness. Provides or arranges for religious support appropriate to the individual's own belief or faith system as needed. May act as a liaison between the patient and their faith community or local pastor. May provide short-term pastoral counseling and bereavement follow-up. Offers excellence in spiritual care services in support of Elkhart General Hospital's/Beacon Health System's mission to enhance the health of the community and the health status of the citizens served by Elkhart. Reports to Director, Patient Care Services. EGH Nursing Purpose: To ensure safe, compassionate, innovative patient centered care, promote and engage in the advancement of evidenced-based nursing practice, create a culture of collaboration, professionalism and a healthy work environment.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Direct Care Services of Patients and Families

• Provides spiritual and pastoral care to patients and their families throughout the hospital by making an initial visit for assessment within 24 hours of referral.

• Conducts follow-up visits based on professional assessment, by referral from the clinical staff, or at the request of the patient.

• Provides documentation in the patient's chart regarding spiritual care and participation in multi-disciplinary team planning.

• Provides support and assists families at the time of the death of a loved one or other crisis situations as referred.

• Responds to all codes called when in-house to support patients and their families in medical crisis.

• Provides or arranges for sacramental or other religious ministry appropriate to the patient's beliefs, as requested by the patient or at times the patient's family or other person legally authorized to speak on the patient's behalf.

• Works closely with Case Management, Palliative Care staff, Hospice, or other services as required for in-depth continuation of patient care in specific situations as needed.

• Strictly adheres to the hospital's policy on confidentiality at all times.

Liaison with Religious Community and other Community Agencies

• Works closely with area clergy and other religious leaders to enhance their access to visit patients who are members of their congregation as requested by patients or at times the patient's family or a person legally authorized to speak on patient's behalf.

• Assists with organizing and hosting community events that draw in local pastors and religious leaders of other faith traditions with EGH.

Spiritual and Pastoral Care of Staff

• Maintains an awareness of the spiritual and pastoral care needs of staff throughout the hospital and plans support activities for preventive care.

• Checks in regularly with staff to offer spiritual and pastoral support for daily challenges and stressors.

• Refers individuals who are experiencing a personal or professional crisis to chaplain staff.

• Offers or arranges for sacraments or other religious ministry as a means of support for staff interested in participating.

• Assists with the coordination and development of educational events for staff regarding spiritual and pastoral care as requested and needed.

Education

• Attends in-services and department meetings and participates in continuing education workshops for continual skill development. Maintains professional affiliations as appropriate.

• Reads current professional literature and journals.

Contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department

• Completes other job-related duties and projects as assigned.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.

• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.

• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.

• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.

• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.

• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.

• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.

• Complies with established organization and department policies.

• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way:

• Leverage innovation everywhere.

• Cultivate human talent.

• Embrace performance improvement.

• Build greatness through accountability.

• Use information to improve and advance.

• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and Experience

• The knowledge, skills, and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of an Advanced or Graduate Degree, Master's level or Master's of Divinity or other related field. A minimum of one year of chaplaincy experience in an acute care clinical setting is preferred. Minimum of one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) successfully completed or similar training program is required.

Knowledge & Skills

• Empathetic listener and counselor.

• Knowledge, understanding and respect for broad spectrum of belief systems, traditions and disciplines.

• Ability to translate positively to the religious community rapid changes in the healthcare world.

• Understanding and commitment to the hospital's mission and milieu.

• Commitment to the rights of privacy to all patients and families wishing to decline any/all contacts for spiritual care services and clergy visits.

• Demonstrates effective team building strategies.

Working Conditions

• At risk for occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens.

• Emotional balance and stability in crisis situations.

Physical Demands

• Light Physical Requirements: Intermittent sitting, standing and walking.

• No real physical strain.