Spiritual Care in the Intensive Care Unit

One of the places where our chaplains and chaplain interns interact with patients and their families are the Intensive Care Units. Chaplains provide support working closely with doctors, nurses, and social workers - in the midst of
sophisticatedmedical equipment and medications.

Not long ago I received a note from a nurse in the Intensive Care Unit in which she expressed her appreciation for the spiritual care that was provided by Chaplain Steve.

It was a Friday evening, and Steve had to call his wife to let her and his own kids know that he would be arriving later that night.

A family whom he knew quite well from regular visits and his daily rounds on the unit needed his help. Friday afternoon the child's condition became critical. The medical team had to undertake resuscitation. Steve stayed with the family in the room during the entire process. The nurse states: "His presence made it possible for the family to remain in the room and see all of the efforts that were being made for their child."

After successful resuscitation Steve stayed on the unit in case the family would need him. While remaining accessible for the family he talked with the nurses. In the words of the nurse: "During that time he was available for the staff to talk about all that had gone on with this very emotional situation. While I am sure he was a great comfort to the family, I know that he was to me personally. . Thank you is not enough!"

Thank you to you, the members of the Spiritual Care Guild who give generously and are so involved to make such spiritual and human support for our patients, families, and staff possible. Having been blessed by all your efforts and gifts we also feel - thank you is not enough.

For the Spiritual Care Team
Rev. Dr. Dagmar Grefe