I walked into the hospital for my first internship. My nerves fluttered everywhere. My educator assigned me to one of our psychiatric units. He sent us to find our assignments and meet staff. Off I went feeling both excited and nervous.
I had a consult request in my hand and the nurse helped find the person for me. We sat in a room across from the nurses station and I said, "I'm Josh, one of the chaplains here. I was just checking in with people and was hoping to say hi. How are you?" An hour later, he walked away. I was amazed. I felt like I said nothing of consequence. I felt like I imparted no wisdom. I didn't think we solved any issues life threw at him. I just sat there stunned that I was even there. And yet, I overheard him telling peers, "If you need to talk, ask for the chaplain. He really made me feel better." I was hooked. This was my calling. I felt like I came home.
It took me some time to discern what I actually did that first day. I can now see that I encouraged him to tell his stories and provided both empathetic listening and a compassionate presence. I never judged him. I never assumed he lied. I "just" sat and listened, asking open-ended questions to offer opportunities for him to continue if he wanted. I had a knack for this that needed training. After years of searching, I felt I had a vocation that I needed to follow.
My faith tells me that everyone is beautiful and deserves to be heard. It tells me that everyone needs encouragement to grow in a way that is both responsible and free. I find my chaplaincy and spiritual direction practices allow me to do just that. I help people struggling with addiction feel like they are believed (because they are). I let parents of deceased infants know that they are not alone. I listen to parents in the NICU and help them feel like someone will listen to their story and will actually see them. I can offer the family of someone who has died the opportunity to tell stories and engage in the grieving process. I can walk alongside someone struggling with how to make meaning simply out of being alive. These are all ways that I bring the beloved community to those I serve.
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital: Hospital Chaplain
I currently serve Wentworth-Douglass Hospital as the general hospital chaplain. In this capacity, I oversee the spiritual care for our patients. I work closely with our palliative care chaplain, who specifically sees patients admitted under the palliative care team, and help when she is unavailable. I participate in patient care, staff care, and connecting with the community.
Holy Family Hospital: Behavioral Health Chaplain
As the behavioral health chaplain, my role was, first and foremost, to provide spiritual care to those patients who are admitted to our Center for Behavioral Medicine. In addition to my role as the behavioral health chaplain I was also the point chaplain for both our maternity floor as well as our special care nursery. Finally, I was the point chaplain for our Haverhill campus.
Salem Hospital: Per Diem Interfaith Chaplain.Â
In this capacity, I worked one day a week, meeting with patients throughout the hospital. Patients often requested a page or a consult. In both situations, when I was in, I responded and visited patients.