Spiritual Caregivers in the Hospital: Windows to Competent Practice

Even as hospitals increasingly recognize spiritual care as an essential component of holistic care, chaplains are still in the process of defining their role. This book acknowledges and celebrates the unique contribution of hospital chaplains, fosters understanding and support for their work, and seeks to elicit interest in their ministry of spiritual caregiving.

"The writers bring together a wealth of conceptual and practical information for those engaged in the challenging ministry of caring for persons in crises. Required reading for any chaplain or spiritual care provider, this book is also an excellent resource for those training professional caregivers." —Teresa E. Snorton, Presiding Bishop of the Fifth Episcopal District of the CME Church; former Executive Director, Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE)

"This resource addresses the unique contributions of professional chaplains and the foundations and guiding principles that help spiritual care providers respond to specific concerns and difficult issues." —George Abram Neufeld, Retired Provincial Coordinator of Spiritual Care for Manitoba Health

"This book fills a gap in the literature of healthcare chaplaincy. A must read for chaplains, it will also be helpful to CPE students and supervisors as well as pastoral theologians." —Mark LaRocca-Pitts, Former Staff Chaplain, Regional Medical Center, Athens, Ga.

"Here are the voices of spiritual care providers who have claimed their places as healers in the health care institutions of our countries. Their stories and reflections convey compassion and competence, discerning spirits and deep faith, and an integration of theory and practice." —Glen R. Horst, Retired CPE Teaching Supervisor; Spiritual Care Advisor, Canadian Virtual Hospice

"This valuable guide provides tools to empower and assist professional chaplains in articulating their education, training, and contributions to administrators and other members of the multidisciplinary team. It presents an engaging, in-depth overview of the competencies and expertise clinically trained chaplains offer." —Sue Wintz, Retired Staff Chaplain, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Ariz.

Leah D. Bueckert is Case Coordinator with Transitional Living Centres, Inc. She was formerly Spiritual Care Coordinator with the Eastman Health Association in Manitoba, Canada.

Daniel S. Schipani is Professor Emeritus of Pastoral Care and Counseling at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical
Seminary, Elkhart, Indiana, USA.