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Pastoral Care
When to Call Pastoral Care
We’re here whenever you need us – whether it’s when you’re facing a difficult decision, are experiencing grief or are anxious about treatment
If you need someone to talk with, we are here 24-hours a day, 7-days days a week at all three hospital sites. As part of your health care team, we may stop in to visit with you or you can ask your nurse to page us at any time. Our chaplains are trained to minister to people of all faiths and beliefs.
Here are some reasons you might call pastoral care:
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When you’re anxious or fearful of surgery, therapy or medical procedures. A chaplain can help you and your family identify the sources of your fears and find strength to face your circumstances through your faith, other meaningful ideas or value systems, or spiritual resources from the community.
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When you need comfort. If you need consolation while a patient, a chaplain can provide a comforting presence. A chaplain also can contact your place of worship for additional support if you desire.
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When for no known reason you don’t respond to medical treatment. A chaplain can help you identify the meanings you assign to your condition or pain. A chaplain also can help you resolve fear or guilt that may be working against the physician’s efforts to treat your physical symptoms.
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When you or your family has major health-care and treatment decisions to make. Maybe it’s deciding whether or not to have surgery or if you want resuscitation or not – these are examples of decisions that can be influenced by unspoken and spoken beliefs. A chaplain can help you, your doctor and family members hear each other and consider various health care options and make decisions that are right for you.
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When your way of life must change following an illness. If you suffer a heart attack, a debilitating illness, amputation, a loss of your child at birth, or one of many other tragic circumstances, your life will change. A chaplain can offer you and your family the stabilizing influence of spirituality, resources for hope and an opportunity to find meaning in your changed life.
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When you have a long-term illness. If you receive a devastating diagnosis, a chaplain can work with you and your family to help everyone understand and accept the prognosis.
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When you or your loved one is dying. A chaplain can help your family deal with the news, begin to accept the impending death and find a source of strength, hope and comfort.
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When you or a loved one is admitted in a traumatic or emergency situation. A chaplain can keep the family members advised about your loved one’s condition, surgery and admission, as well as provide emotional support while your family waits for news.
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When your loved one has died. At this most difficult time, a chaplain can provide ministry, support and comfort for your family during bereavement.
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When it’s time for you or your family to consider organ or tissue donation. A chaplain can provide information about organ donation choices while helping your family explore spoken and unspoken beliefs that may affect your decision.
This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
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What You Need to Know About Your or Your Loved One's Visit
Our Patient and Visitor Guide answers many of your questions including what to pack, important phone numbers and making your health care wishes known to your doctors.
You and Your Faith Community
In respect of your privacy, we will only contact your faith community with your permission. Volunteers will visit you when you’re a patient and explain the availability of our chaplains to you. If you would like to be listed as a member of a congregation, please let us know and we will contact your faith leader.
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