Chaplain
Chaplains serve in many hospital settings, and some are assigned to rehabilitation units. They act as spiritual counselors to help patients, families, and the healthcare staff members:
-
Through periods of crisis
-
Reaffirm their spiritual beliefs
-
Maintain or establish relationships with a church or house of worship
-
Make daily rounds and on-call 24 hours a day pastoral services
Chaplains may be ordained ministers or priests, or may have attended a chaplaincy or pastoral care program through a university or hospital.
Because rehabilitation focuses on the whole person — physical, emotional, social, and spiritual, the chaplain often plays a special part in helping a person with a disability cope and recover. When a hospital or rehabilitation center does not employ a chaplain, the patient's own clergy or spiritual advisor often performs these functions.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Bellendir, Trina, MSPT, CLT
Online Medical Reviewer:
Joseph, Thomas,N., MD
Date Last Reviewed:
4/1/2018
© 2000-2019 The StayWell Company, LLC. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.