A Chaplain’s Guide to Self-Care
Refilling the Well While Giving to Others
It was my first day wearing my chaplain badge, and I was nervous, trying not to get lost in the maze of hospital corridors. Suddenly, my beeper went off — a code blue on the heart and vascular wing, and I needed to hurry. Someone’s heart had stopped, and the relentless beeping added another layer of stress as doctors and nurses rushed in.
Upon arrival, eager to help, I introduced myself to a patient who was slowly becoming aware of his surroundings. He took one wide-eyed look at me and exclaimed, “Did I die?!?”
At that moment, I thought, “Oh no, I just frightened him!” Fortunately, a nurse stepped in and said, “Well, yes, you almost did, but you’re okay now,” instantly normalizing the situation and sparing me further embarrassment.
It was one crazy introduction to hospital chaplaincy. I quickly learned that I had to manage my own stress so I could be a calming presence for others. As I navigated these emotionally charged environments, I realized that the emotional turmoil often extended beyond the patient to their families. Sometimes, they had competing desires and outcomes for their loved ones, even as they lay dying. It became crucial for me not to judge their motives, recognizing that none of us are rational or at our best when faced with a…
