Spiritual Care Week Recognizing the Work of Hospice Chaplains

Spiritual Care Week Recognizing the Work of Hospice Chaplains Great Chaplains are reliable, dependable, proactive, diligent, great leaders and great followers... they possess a wide range of easily-defined—but hard to find—qualities. A few hit the next level. Some Chaplains are remarkable, possessing qualities that may not appear on performance appraisals but nonetheless make a major impact on performance. Here are five qualities of remarkable Hospice Chaplains: 1. They subscribe to the “whatever it takes” philosophy in getting their work completed. Yes, caseloads are high. Yes, patient and family needs are pressing. Yes, driving distance never gets shorter. Yes, there are new Medicare mandates for documentation. Yes, their time is continually requested for projects, committees, and such. But, they get it done … whatever it takes. 2. They’re eccentric… As some have said, they are the “God Squad”. Their personalities are unique. Their value systems are well defined. Their manner of living is their own. Their sense of humor is dry, happy, funny. They are wonderful. 3. They publicly praise… Because they do great work, they receive praise. However, they also recognize the work of others. They speak words of admiration and respect at IDT and in other public settings where their words have added significance. 4. And they privately complain. Words have power… to build and destroy. Chaplains recognize their standing in the IDT. They complain privately which maintains their reputation as a builder. 5. They advocate. They advocate for patients when no one else will. They advocate for ethics, peace, IDT unity … There is so much more that makes up a great Chaplain. The above are the nuances of great chaplaincy. I am honored to be their leader at Cornerstone Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc.