About Chaplains
People draw upon different strengths to get through an illness. Many rely on religious or spiritual beliefs for comfort and support. In fact, it’s been shown that attending to spiritual needs can improve a patient’s outlook and quality of life. That’s why we make chaplains available to patients in our facility. Here are some common questions asked about our chaplains and the services they provide.
A chaplain is a minister or religious adviser. Chaplains receive theological education. They may have pastoral experience. However, hospital chaplains must also undergo clinical training. This training provides them with an understanding of medical ethics and issues.
Being in the hospital can be overwhelming. You may be dealing with a chronic illness or end of-life issues. A chaplain can provide emotional support as well as religious counsel. You might summon a chaplain to help you sort through your own beliefs before making difficult medical decisions. Or you could ask a chaplain to assist you in making your religious or cultural preferences known to your health care providers.
Chaplains are available to visit with family and friends of patients. They can often provide spiritual calm or a religious perspective to your loved ones.
A hospital chaplain will contact your pastor, priest, rabbi or other religious leader and arrange a visit for you. All religious leaders are welcome in our hospital. Just because we’re a faith-based hospital doesn’t mean a patient needs to see a chaplain of our faith.
Contact GRMC Pastoral Care Chaplain by calling 830.379.2411.
Sources: Association of Professional Chaplains; Health care Chaplaincy; Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Association; National Cancer Institute; Society of Critical Care Medicine