Protocol for Volunteer Duty Chaplains in Training

How To Get Through Difficult Trauma

Proselyting - What It Means

Grief Support Groups

Training Essentials for Hospital Volunteer  Duty Chaplains

By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC

The Director of Pastoral Care at HRMC is assisted by two teams of volunteer duty chaplains.

The two teams of Volunteer Duty Chaplains are comprised of:

1) Trained individuals who assist the Director of Pastoral Care during week days 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

2) Those who are on-call evenings from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. the following morning. The latter team is also on-call throughout both the Saturday and the Sunday of  their assigned week.

Important factors for good patient sessions

3 )Always wear your badge while in the hospital.

4) Knock before entering a patient’s room, as this is their bedroom. Introduce yourself.

5) Spending some moments of prayer in the chapel before starting patient work can fortify the truth of God’s loving care more completely to your mind, bringing you into a centered space. This will create the needed space for allowing the Holy Spirit to take the lead.

6) While doing patient work, ideally you will pull up a chair and sit about halfway to the middle of the patient’s bed. This seating is supportive through easy eye contact. When there is no chair, you can minister while standing.

7) Let them know that asking a nurse for a chaplain will bring one of us to them. You can leave the flyer titled “Hope & Light” from our Pastoral Care Department, if you find this helpful in your patient work.

8) If the patient wants hand-to-hand touch, respond to the patient with the same amount of pressure. Be sensitive to the fact that many people have hand pain. During such times as the Covid-19 epidemic, or flu season, the best practice is not to take a person’s hand.

9) Talk slowly with patients, respecting the fact most are on medications making it harder for them to comprehend.

10) Do not stay too long with patients. Watch for signs that the patient may be getting tired. Know that is not the time to stay long. Offer a prayer if it is desired by the patient, then leave.

11) Patients sense the truth that unconditional, warm regard is there for them. This creates potential for some to desire reestablishing their relationship with God.

12) Sometimes it is not an easy task to maintain unconditional warm regard for a person. Yet, only if we come to a person with acceptance of them, their life, their person—and what they believe—can we bring to them the love that heals. Without saying it, we are God’s love to people as He has called us to this work of being there for others. We are bringing God’s help to those who hurt. Sometimes it is a matter of simply being present. 

13) Always look for an opportunity to draw the patient into conversation about God and if they have hope for the existence of eternal life. But while doing so plan to stop at any sign of discomfort.

14) Nothing separates us from the love God has for us. We know that, but must not expect others to care or to know about spiritual matters. As we near the end of the visit—and if it feels appropriate—asking if the patient would like prayer can be a great comfort. If the person says, “No,” or “I’d rather not,” or indicates they are not comfortable with prayer, simply say, “I appreciate your ability to be honest with me,” or a similar, accepting comment.

15) Keeping your commitment to the confidentiality agreement is of great importance. HIPA is a Federal law. You can, however, speak with the director of the chaplaincy department about the needs of a patient, her or his loved ones, or about a staff member, but strictly according to what will benefit all within the hospital you are trusted to serve.[i]

16) Sense where the person is emotionally. There are five major categories of feelings. The three most easily recognized are hurt, fear and anger. [ii]Listen to what feelings might be behind their words, like sadness, regret, anger, guilt. There may be places where you hear joy and gratitude. If so, get the person to share more with you about what is bringing them comfort and hope. This will help them find their focus in their faith.

17) Remember: when a patient speaks of being afraid, encourage the person to talk about that concern. Let them know you understand that lying on one’s back facing the ceiling for hours on end can certainly promote anxious-making thoughts. Statements like this help the patient know you truly “see” and care.

18) Watch for what is not being said as well as what is being said. There may be something they cannot put into words, but you are hearing it through the feelings the person is subtly revealing. You can ask, “What is the hardest part for you?” When a person is expressing emotional pain, you may feel, too. What is helpful is to simply say, “I am sorry for your pain.” Continue listening, being with them as they give words to whatever shortcoming, sorrow or failure that is weighing on her or his mind.

19) Volunteer duty chaplains commit themselves to confidentiality. Please honor this commitment at all times. The director of pastoral care is available for times when you want to get help or talk about a patient (their loved ones), or hospital staff encounter.

20) Sometimes, you may feel like sharing a Scripture passage that seems appropriate. Do so with great care as mostly we do not know a person’s preferences. We want to increase their comfort, not increase additional discomfort.

21) Being there because you care speaks a powerful message. We do this work because of God’s call. For the most part, patients know this is true. Our badges keep this truth present each moment we are with them.

22) When a person asks questions about your beliefs or experiences with God, feel free to share briefly, but begin with a statement such as, “I appreciate an opportunity to share about my faith.” This makes it doubly clear that you are not intending to tell them what they need to believe.

23) Never say, “I have had bad things happen, too.” To do so takes the focus off the patient and what is important for them to share with you. It spotlights you in an unfavorable way, as it can feel mollifying to them.

24) We are non-judgmental sounding boards for patients. When a patient complains about the meals, the doctor, or a nurse – or any other elements of their experience, be sure to listen without commenting. This allows the patient to know you truly care. However, if it becomes obvious the patient is not able to get past what has upset him or her in such a way as they cannot stop talking about the matter, then you can say words similar to, “Would you like to talk with one of our supervisors about this? “ If the patient says, “Yes,” and it seems appropriate, the hospital’s grievance official may be contacted. If they say “no,” thank the patient for talking with you about what is bothering them. Statistics show chaplains have frequently averted lawsuits by simply caring enough to hear a person’s story.

25) Do not hesitate to ask, “Do you have a pastor or spiritual mentor to talk with?” Whenever you can, it is important to get the patient’s pastor, priest, rabbi or other spiritual leader involved. But we must ask to do so and first gain the patient’s permission. We cannot assume it is okay to let a minister of any sort—or a member of their congregations—know that a person of their congregation is in the hospital. That would be a breach of HIPAA, which is a Federal law. We don’t want to cause any consequence of that within our work.

26) As hospital chaplains, we work in a denominationally neutral way. Most chaplains are members of a congregation of believers. However, patients may think of us as “sent to the hospital by a church,” and therefore promoters of “church.” Lots of people do not attend church. Many may feel guilty about that, or defensive.  Others will be curious asking, “What church do you go to?” Their question may be about their desire to feel safe with you.  You can say, “I do represent a church while here in ministry. I am in the chaplaincy role as a volunteer based on my desire to help people work through challenging situations concerning their health.” I encourage people to attend a church of their choice.

27) Do not call a church on behalf of the patient unless the patient has given you clear permission to do so. Otherwise, you can breach the HIPPA law, which has serious consequences.

28) Chaplains are prompted to be respectful toward all world religions. What the person believes is not something we are allowed to judge or to try to change. When working with a Muslim, a Buddhist or other religions other than mine, I allow the patient to identify what helps them through challenging times. Listening and asking them if they would like to share a prayer is an appropriate and caring way to be with them.

29) Remember, within this work as a caring minister of God’s love, the duty of a chaplain does not include changing a person’s mind or giving advice. We are to value a patient’s thoughts, beliefs and feelings. We do not tell patients how to think–or feel! They are in the hospital to get well. We promote their healing process by showing them God’s love.

30) Accept the tears of the patient knowing these come from deep within their personhood. Most importantly, give them the time and space they need to cry until they stop. Do not hand them a tissue for blowing their nose. The patient will ask for one when they feel the need. Handing them a tissue can send a message of, “Stop crying.” Whenever possible, place a box of tissue within their reach. People need to cry when tears come from their souls, as tears are healing. During the ministry of chaplaincy, our work is at its best when patients feel free to allow their emotions to be seen.[iii]

31) Never say, “Don’t feel that way,” or “You shouldn’t feel that way.” To do so is to deny them their right as a human to “get real” with you.

32) Being with the patient, for even a brief time, can cause a person’s thoughts to move toward God and often this can cause a patient to think about God and eternal matters after you, as a chaplain, leave the patient’s room.

33) Listening to a patient’s frustrations, doubts and fears is a superb act of giving of ourselves. This is why listening more than we talk is important. Hearing the patient first before doing anything to help them through ministry is essential to good pastoral care. It shows you care for them. People “get it.” They know we are there for them.

34) The key to successful listening requires setting aside our own thoughts, judgments and/or anxieties.

35) This is not easy work.  Quieting our soul so we are truly able to hear what the patient is thinking and feeling takes diligence. It takes intentional, concerted effort in order to do this work well. For sure it is Holy work.

36) Creating space for the Holy Spirit to take the lead and staying in that space as much as possible will greatly enhance your patient visits.

37) We are devoted to being a listening, caring presence in which we show interest in the patient. This stance usually results in a good response. Occasionally, a patient feels our coming is of no interest—even at times a bother. It is very important that we show them the grace of God at that time, leaving without hesitation, while maintaining a caring attitude as we leave remembering this person is in the middle of sickness and uncertainty.

38) Most of our patient visits are appreciated and become a time in which the care we show increases the vitality of both the receiver and the giver.  Either within our stay or after our stay the patient realizes the empowerment of the unconditional, warm regard received. This is what we can leave with people—as a minimum. This is the best gift we have for people. We influence. We honor the God who has sent us. Often, we cannot do as much as we would like with a person. It helps to remind myself that I am one member of a team God uses in the lives of these patients. Remembering them in our prayers can ultimately make a difference.

39) Regarding losses, life circumstances, persistent disease, painful relationships and pain, you can ask the patient, "Can you forgive this happening to you?" Tell them what medical science has discovered about forgiveness and how important forgiveness is to one’s physical health as well as their mental and emotional health.[iv] A prayer specific to this can be a shared.[v]

40) Use Scripture carefully. Offer reading or reciting Scripture only after asking the patient if this would be helpful to them. There are times when a person may well reestablish his or her relationship with God because a chaplain has shared a truth from Scripture that touches them deeply.

41) We pray with people—only after asking their permission. For instance, “Would you like for me to say a prayer with you?” Or words similar to this.

42) Sometimes patients do not want spiritual help or prayer. That is always their right to express and choose. Showing acceptance with a smile – – and without regret – – can bear witness to the chaplain’s state of heart and can cause the patient to pause . . . thinking about your attitude as you leave.

43) We grow in our effectiveness with patients by evaluating our patient encounters. At times, our hearts prompt us to ponder a visit, causing us to recollect what was said by the patient along with our responses. This is not to be negative about ourselves but rather to choose different words when we feel we could do a better job. There are times when we are able to return to a patient to say more on a subject covered or to correct something that could be restated, given further thought. Remember, we are human.

44) Remember: You are part of a team. Respect for one another, along with maintaining a desire to help one another will make the work go better for patients—and is a must in order for us to be our best and do our best while serving the patients of the hospital. This shows appreciation for the privilege you have been given to serve here.

45) Always look for an opportunity to draw the patient into conversation about God and if that happens successfully, they will feel at ease while responding “yes,” or “no” to such a possibility. Honesty from a patient is to be highly valued whether or not she or he holds hope for eternal life.

46) Never be forceful. Don’t ever push patients to go deep with you. We want to reach the “pay dirt” of getting patients to go to a level where his or her heart is able to speak. But we must let them lead us there.

47) Watch for an opportunity to ask, “Are you comfortable talking about your spiritual life?”

48) Value what the person says. This increases your ability to listen well.

49) Watch for any and all tendencies of inwardly thinking about what you will say to them next (while they are talking) as this may derail your ability to hear them.

50) Give time for the patient to think. Don’t fill all spaces with words while with them. This is a very kind and caring way to be with sick, injured and dying people.

51) Always hold this truth close in mind: sitting quietly without talking while with the patient is a tremendous gift to them. They will give you cues if they become uncomfortable with your silence. Few people within daily life are given a chance to talk about themselves.

52) You can always ask, “Is there something on your mind that you would like to talk about?”

53) Never stop seeking God’s help at getting better with your patient work. We can always improve. Keeping this in mind will help you build skills. We grow as a person through diligently and honestly working as a team.  We work on holy ground.

54) When a patient sounds angry, do not tell them not to be angry. (Never judge what a person feels. Hear it and let it be.) Listen for what has felt angry-making to them. You can ask, “Am I right in thinking you are angry right now?” This allows them to recognize what is true, or to deny it. When they deny being angry, it is not appropriate to try to change what patients believe about themselves. Just keep them talking, if possible, as the patient may open up to you. While talking, the patient is hearing their responses. Most likely they are able to learn more about themselves and their feelings by hearing themselves think through and feel through their experience of you.

55) Do not take any comments or criticism personally. Listen and answer calmly and quietly if a response from you is requested. Always honor a patient’s feelings. By quietly listening. Through doing so, they know you care about them.

56) When anger is heard within a patient’s sharing, let it be. Put aside any discomfort you feel when gruffness or anger are heard. It can help the person heal when you are O.K. with hearing their anger spoken--even anger at God. They are honoring you while trusting you enough to allow them to express the emotions they are feeling.[vi]

57) Mostly, people will try to deny their emotions. This can change once they start feeling comfortable with you. Trust can begin—enough for them to open up enough to express what they feel. When you get on the ground of shared feelings, this is "pay dirt."

58) Once difficult feelings are expressed--and if a patient is ambulatory, consider suggesting a walk down the hallway. This may be helpful to the patient by changing the scenery. However, it is important to check with the nurse before walking with a patient.  Never help a patient sit up or get out of their bed! Only a nurse, doctor, a physical therapist or other medical team member is allowed to do this. Follow what the patient wants from you—or doesn’t want from you except if asked to give them food or water. If a patient asks for food or water, tell them to press their call button so the nurse can help with that request.

59) A deep breathing, or other relaxing exercise, may be in order if a person becomes highly emotional while talking about something that makes the patient anxious.

60) Never whisper to another in the room, e. g, to a family member or others. This can make the patient fearful. The patient may surmise something is really wrong—and he or she is not supposed to know about it.

61) Take cues from the patient as to how the conversation will go during your visit. Focus—always—on what is going on for the patient at the moment.

62) If a patient is in a lot of pain during your visit, suggest to the patient that she or he might want to use the call button to tell a nurse.  Staying and waiting it out for the nurse to come may be comforting to the patient. At times, it is best to leave. First, however, make sure a nurse is on the way. You will surmise what is best. Being there quietly without speaking can be very meaningful to the patient. During this time, praying inwardly, without drawing time and attention to yourself, can empower a patient. (This inward praying while listening makes the work more powerful.)

63) Being there because you care carries a powerful message. We do this work because of God’s call. Patients know this is true by the badge we wear.

64) When a person asks questions about your beliefs or experiences with God, feel free to share the preface doing so with a statement such as, “I appreciate an opportunity to share my personal journey….This makes it doubly clear that you are not there to tell them what they need to believe. This kind of interaction needs to be charted. (Notify the director so this charting can take place.)

65) When anxiety is obvious, ask, “would you care to talk about what you are feeling right now?” This can create openness for them to talk about what is happening in their lives. Notice this statement does not identify what they are feeling. People innately feel uncomfortable when they feel judged, or when another sees and names their feelings. They, on the other hand, are greatly benefited when they themselves identify a feeling and therefore want to talk about it.

66) When the patient speaks of her or his diagnosis you have an opportunity to ask, “How do you normally handle circumstances that may change your daily life?” This can lead to asking if the patient cares to talk about their faith. Be cautious about asking, “Do you believe in God,” or “Do you believe in life after death?” Rather, wait for an indicator, e.g., ask, “Do you mind if I ask you about your belief in God?” Be aware consistently of the patient’s comfort zone.

67) When you feel uncomfortable about a patient’s pain or circumstance, let yourself feel that. Then let it go. Your work is to listen, while they think and speak. Silence here and there gives the patient the opportunity to notice the depth and width of a question asked. Treat people in the ways you would want to be treated if this diagnosis were given to you.

68) The Holy Spirit helps us know when we are on good ground for asking if the patient cares to talk about their faith.

69) Express yourself in ways that show you care about what is happening. For example, “This must be hard.” These four words go a long way.

70) Asking questions of a patient’s needs must be done with great care. For example: Once I was training a potential volunteer applicant who was shadowing me as I worked. I watched, then asked her to work while I shadowed her. She began to ask multiple questions of the patient—one after another. Of course, the patient became quite uncomfortable. Asking questions needs to be done, yes, but not “scoop” them, meaning to get all their details, but rather to help patients express themselves. A lot is going on for them physically, emotionally—and spiritually. When we are able to help patients talk about the aspects of their hospital stay, then we can help them get real about what is truly going on for them.

71) Value what patients tell you—and listen for what they are not telling you. Sometimes patients will try to put off inwardly what may help heal them if a matter or an emotion can be discussed. This is where silence becomes helpful.

72) Let silence be. It is powerful to allow time wherein nothing is said. Lots comes up from the depths of a person’s heart when a caring person is so very present, waiting, wanting to extend these moments during which a person can feel and think.

73) There are times when a patient lets us move onto the ground wherein we can speak of “God” freely. Yet, watch closely for a patient becoming uncomfortable. If that happens, ask, “What are you feeling right now?” Or, use a question like, “Are you uncomfortable with this part of our conversation?” Stop to listen as they are apt to say, “Since you asked . . .” Once a patient perceives you truly care—and that you are not trying to control what they think or say—you are on the best of all grounds for a chaplain. Some people want your help, but they want you to not bring up God. Honoring that will allow continued opportunity with them for portraying the reality of God by being a loving, listening presence.

74) Having been with a patient and taken the time to sit and draw them out can be a great uplift for the patient.

75) While with people, if our demeanor and tone of voice indicate care, we have done our job well. Often, people will continue pondering our presence with them after we leave, or later on in their lives. What we say is not what carries the most weight. It is our being there, our listening which says to them, “You are valued.” “You are important.” “You matter.” “I’m here for you.” “We care about you.” The truth is that we carry God’s presence with us. That's what makes us care!

76) You can ask, "When you became ill, were you under a lot of stress?" (Often the answer is, "Yes.") Follow with, "Talking about what is stressing us can often help to relieve it. Would you like to talk about the stress you feel with this illness [or accident]?" This can be a time for explaining how we help our immune systems when we talk or have tears, releasing what we are holding tightly inside ourselves.

77) An excellent chaplain will always persist in seeking God’s help with improving their patient encounters. Keep an eye on how you do within patient sessions. Was there discomfort, fear, or anger while listening to the person? Did you have a tendency to judge the person at any point? 

78) Ask God to help you identify where your own life pain has not been addressed or healed. We are human. At times we chaplains feel strong emotions while helping people through experiences of death, disability, disfigurement, and loss of abilities, such as loss of speech, body functions and loss of the ability to breathe.

79) You will minister to patients on trauma calls (i.e., after an accident or a fire). Stay calm and breathe deeply within this challenging experience. As you minister to family members who are sometimes screaming, know this: the extreme expression of emotion will end. (Comfort yourself within by telling yourself: “They will get beyond this. God is here with us.) Meanwhile, remind yourself of the benefit that comes to a person’s soul when cathartic emotion takes place. It can help toward releasing grief, pain or great sorrow as it is felt.

80) Identify a spiritual mentor for times when you want help with your feelings, or to talk things out. (That person can be the director of pastoral care, if you prefer.)

81) Do not expect yourself to do this work perfectly. God will use even our mistakes. Just try not to make them. ;-)We never stop learning.

82) As we work with patients, our presence and giving of our hearts causes a person’s thoughts to move toward God and many think about the afterlife/eternal matters after we leave their rooms—if not before we leave the room.

83) Listening to others is a holy giving of ourselves. Being able to set aside our own thoughts, judgments and/or anxiety—quieting our souls—so we can hear another well could be seen as an “art form.” Like any art, this can be honed and further developed. Complacency is perhaps a chaplain’s worst enemy.

84) Settling into that holy giving of heart and mind, for whatever moments you have with a patient, becomes felt as sacred. Here is where we can show God’s loving care. Here is a place where vitality is often heightened when prayer is desired and extended. A person may well renew or reestablish their relationship with God after our encounter.

85) Sometimes patients do not want to go onto subjects of spirituality. That is always their right and privilege. Showing our acceptance of a patient’s boundaries with a smile bears witness to the chaplain’s state of heart and may well cause a patient to ponder as you leave the room.

86) Praying silently for a patient as we leave his or her room, increases the power of our work.

87) It is true that a patient’s faith can be strengthened or weakened by illness. Our work can be a determining factor.

88) The chaplain’s honest concern for patients is often enough to show the person that they are truly cared about and that we are there to help them through their experiences.

89) As we leave a patient’s room we say, “Feel free to ask the nurse to call me, if you want to talk, again.” In this way you create a potential for expanding your work with that person.

90) Settling into this sacred heart space allows the chaplain to realize “God is here with me; I am not doing this work for any purpose other than to help this person feel cared about—accepted-- just as I am in the middle of sickness and uncertainty.” Once this is in place, vitality is often heightened and the truth of God’s loving care is more likely to be encountered.

91) Take care of yourself. Live a balanced life, eat well and get good rest. Avoid burnout. We must know when it is time to get alone with God. Praying, journaling, doing our own emotional work. Feel free to talk with another chaplain to debrief, or with the director, gaining some release when emotions have risen to a peak. This is also needed at points wherein you feel you can’t do your best work. 

When a Patient is Dying

92) A chaplain is often called to the bedside of a dying patient. This is an awesome time to minister to a person who is at their very last minutes or hours of life. There will not be much energy for the person to share with you and with loved ones. Make sure the family has the best positioning, and most of the available time before ministering. Your presence, even if you say little or nothing, comforts all who are there. Before ministering, invite the patient’s nurse to be present if he or she desires to be there.

93) In many instances the patient is unconscious or in others the patient has already died. Our goal is total openness to the Spirit, as well as being a mindful presence. Follow the Spirit’s lead. Prayer and the reading of pertinent Scripture passages can be of great benefit and blessing to the loved ones who gathered at the bedside. This is also true when you are with the dying patient at a point when no family is present.  Sometimes you will feel like singing or playing music if you have a guitar, flute, or harmonica to use. These are amazing times—even numinous at points.

94) Often it is a blessing to ask the loved ones present to stand close to the bed as if to encircle it. Ask if they would like to remember special times or fun times of being with and knowing this loved one. Sometimes they are in too much pain to talk, or are timid. I like to say something like, “Love is the most powerful entity in the universe. If you like, an expression of your love can be shown by extending our hands toward___ (name) _________, while sending love from your heart and hands to ______ (name) _________.

95) Make lots of space for tears. Don’t be afraid to hug and hold people. (Provided you are comfortable doing touching them in so intimate a way).

96) Once you have finished ministering in these ways, it is a lovely gesture to take if the loved ones would like the gift of a family Bible. There are copies of the complete Bible in the chaplain’s office. Excuse yourself when you leave to get one. These Bibles are provided for patients by a local church.

97) Be prepared to offer a list of companies in your community that can be called for helping a patient’s loved ones with end of life services and burials. The nursing staff at HRMC usually handles this aspect of care, but chaplains are often asked for basic information. Knowing where this information can be accessed quickly is another way of serving patients efficiently.

98) As applicable, provide information about grief groups in the community within entities such as a local foundation, church or hospice. Extending the place, time and a contact name for a place where professionals offer help with grieving will provide a caring effort as you take your leave. Encouraging people who have lost a loved one to attend a grief group can be of tremendous help to them. Grief can be exceedingly painful—and it takes as long as it takes for individuals to regain their foothold. Within a grief group, people can share the pain of their loss with others who are recovering from the “new pieces of gone.” Grief groups are places of respite within the process of facing life without that person who formerly accompanied one’s journey.

 

An Important Rule for the Chaplaincy Team Members:

   Do not involve yourself further with patients or their family members after discharge. Volunteer duty chaplains serving at HRMC have finished their service to patients and family members at discharge. Please do not give your contact information to patients or their family members. Your title of “chaplain” is only for use within the hospital setting, as you are given the privilege of using the title of “volunteer duty chaplain” while within HRMC. Another factor is involved with this matter:  It is not appropriate for a chaplain to use information gained within patient encounters in order to continue a relationship with the patient after discharge, or to continue ministering to the patient. This may seriously cross lines as regards the Federal law of HIPPA.  A serious break of the HIPPA law concerning a patient’s information (for whatever reason) can result in a court action for a chaplain as well as is true for any healthcare provider. None of us want to spend our time in court recounting what we said or did.  If you have any questions as regards this matter speak with HRMC’s director of pastoral care.

     The consequence for a volunteer duty chaplain breaking this rule will result in loss of privilege to see and serve patients. In such instances, the ID badge and office key must be returned. 

 May God give you the courage to go where He leads you 

 And to be the person He calls you to be. 

  May you thirst to be in His Word each day—seeking always 

  To work with a heart of pure love as you work with patients. 

The five endnotes below contain articles from Joy Le Page Smith’s website. Any of the articles or blogs found at www.healing-with-Joy.com may be copied and used freely within your work with patients. This site is full of writings extended to bring God’s help to those who hurt.

[i] See attached HRMC form all volunteer duty chaplains are required to sign.

[ii]https://healing-with-joy.com/do-emotional-affect-body-chemistry-and-therefore-our-health/

[iii]http://healing-with-joy.com/tears-how-they-help-the-body-heal-as-well-as-the-soul/

[iv] https://healing-with-joy.com/help-with-granting-forgiveness/

[v] https://healing-with-joy.com/PDFQuickAids/A%20Healing%20Forgiveness%20Prayer.pdf

While working with staff the articles at this link were written to help them do good self-care wile dealing daily with secondary trauma and other difficulties:  https://www.havasuregional.com/compassion