Hospital Chaplain
As one chaplain explains to the HealthCare Chaplaincy Network, “As I was speaking to the wife, I noticed that the man’s arm was tattooed with numbers – the markings of a Holocaust survivor. I felt great sorrow for him, his family and all the other victims. Later on, as we sat next to the bedside of her husband, whose breathing was labored and assisted by oxygen, the wife asked again about arrangements. I noted that during the day it was easier to get the chevra kadisha than in the evening, weekends, the Sabbath or holidays. The wife then noticed that her husband was no longer breathing. I realized afterward that he had heard me speaking about the chevra kadisha and wondered if he thought that this would be a good time to let go.”
Job Description Hospital chaplains give spiritual counsel or advice to hospital patients and their family members and friends. They have in-depth knowledge and expertise that guides them in talking with people faced with medical crises or other challenges. As part of the clergy field, they pray with and counsel people who have spiritual and emotional needs. They are authorized to perform religious rites and ordinances. Some hospital chaplains read specific sacred texts including the Bible, Torah or Koran.
Academic Requirements
Generally, a master’s degree in theology, divinity, religion or pastoral counseling is required. Some prefer a doctorate. An applicant will also need two to five years of experience in the field of clergy or chaplaincy and/ or experience in palliative care and hospice. Ordination or certification by Association of Professional Chaplains or other religious bodies and/ or specific certification, such as offered by the National Association of Catholic Chaplains, are also required.