Career Profiles Hospital Chaplain
Hospital chaplains work in medical facilities. They are very important because hospitals and other similar venues care for people who may be ill themselves or who are visiting a relative or friend who is suffering from an illness. Additionally, it is also a very real possibility for death to occur in hospitals and other medical facilities. Hospital chaplains are there to support and encourage those who are ill or who have suffered a loss. They are there for those who need them, especially people who may be alone in a hospital without family or friends nearby.
Almost all hospital chaplains are non-denominational clergy who lend their services to people of all religious backgrounds and also those from no religious background if they desire their services. At the very least, hospital chaplains usually havemaster's degrees in fields such as divinity/ministry, theology, youth ministry, or other related fields. Many have also been pastors of congregations in the past in either a particular denomination or a non-denominational setting. These chaplains have a great deal of experience in the ministry, in most cases, and many enjoy the opportunity to focus specifically on people and their immediate needs. Pastors of congregations are usually responsible for planning and carrying out one or more services each week, hospital chaplains, in most cases, do not have this responsibility.
Hospital chaplains generally work indoors and meet new people every day. They generally introduce themselves to as many patients and family members as they possibly can so they know they are there and that they are available to lend them support or other services if needed. They are usually willing to pray with patients or families if they would like them to, speak to them, or simply just listen to patients and their family members. In times of need, pain, suffering, and/or sorrow; having someone who listens can make a very big difference. However, as grief, pain, and illness occur at all times of the day, night, and on weekends and holidays, hospital chaplains are needed at those times as well.
Depending upon where they are employed, chaplains can have a wide array of different responsibilities. For example, while some only work with individual patients and their families, others have responsibilities that involve taking on leadership roles in organizations, on boards or committees, and in educational or community events.
Chaplains in hospitals do not generally make a great deal of money, however they are very important to the people who both need and desire their services. Their salaries most commonly range between $30,000 and $50,000 per year and may include benefits such as insurance, retirement plans, and other assorted incentives. However, these professionals enjoy many mental and emotional benefits as well, including the opportunity to help many people every day, the opportunity to meet a wide range of people from all walks of life, and the opportunity to use their positive personal characteristics to brighten people's lives.
