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Chaplaincy in Palliative Care Settings

Next Reply: Re:Hospice Requirement for Chaplain
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Post Hospice Requirement for Chaplain
Author: parson1pr
Date: Jun 23, 2008 12:34 pm
I am a new B.C.C and I was working in a hospice environment, recently I was let go of my position. I have an M.Div. and M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy. When I was getting my certification, I was forced to use PTO because my hospice location did not recognize nor do they want to recognize a board certified chaplain in their environment. Specifically, after I was let go, they posted the position for a chaplain with a bachelor degree and not necessarily a graduate degree. My question is, at what point hospice settings would be required to have board certified chaplain or maybe it does not matter if they have it or not. Any input would be welcome because I went through some frustrating moments and felt unsupported.
Initially, there were two chaplains in the organization and the other chaplain only had one unit of cpe and he is not looking to be certified nor would he ever get certification because he said he does not see the use for that.

Shalom
Replies: order by [Date] [Author] [Subject]
Re:Hospice Requirement for Chaplain (by ghandzo on 06/23/2008)
While an increasing number of employers are requiring or prefering cpe training and certification and being convinced that it is good business, there is no regulatory requirement for either. This is true of the Joint Commission as well. They require the service be provided but are mute on who provides it. That is, their concern is quantity, not quality. I don't see this changing any time soon. Our advocacy is based on demonstrating to employers that they are short-changing their clients if they don't require trained chaplains. The Rev. George Handzo Vice President Pastoral Care Leadership & Practice The HealthCare Chaplaincy New York, NY
Re:Hospice Requirement for Chaplain (by SharolHerr on 06/23/2008)
I'd encourage you to look at the NHPCO (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)website. There are lots of resources there including the medicare conditions of participation. This outlines requirements of a hospice program in terms of essential elements on the interdisciplinary team. NHPCO also has some focus groups for the different disciplines. There are lots of variations among programs in how those requirements are met. Best wishes finding a new position. Sharol Herr, RN, MSEd, CHPN; Nurse Clinician/Education Coordinator; Mt. Carmel Health Palliative Care Leadership Center; Columbus, Ohio.
Re:Hospice Requirement for Chaplain (by msmith on 08/20/2008)
You can see from the other replies that there are some who are being proactive in addressing the need for hiring of professionally-trained chaplains. That said, I will agree that we are probably a long way from that reality. I am sorry that you had such a challenging experience and especially that you felt unsupported during that time. APC does have a commission on advocacy at the national level, as well as a state advocacy chair in each state. I understand that providing intervention and support in situations like yours is one function of this group. Contact info is on the APC website. I know it is too late to be of help to you regarding your last position, but perhaps it is a resource that would be helpful in the future or for others who may read these posts. Perhaps down the road you might consider volunteering for one of these positions, as I imagine advocacy issues are close to your heart, given your experience. I hope you find yourself in a place where your gifts and training are viewed as a valuable asset to the organization! Michelle

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