Chaplain A Healing Presence Considering This Career Who becomes a chaplain? Unique call of faith Professional background Healthcare Social services Pastoral ministry Education Nonprofits Tug - presence/impact in painful moments What does a chaplain do? Make tangible the Presence and Grace of God A compassionate pastoral presence Assess spiritual need Provide/document pastoral care Offer spiritual care programs Facilitate ethical decision making Cultivate a culture of spirituality in organization Emphasis of ministry varies Pastoral presence to patient/family/friends Trained to reverence diverse faith backgrounds Grounded in own pastoral identity Encounter Sacred in midst Of suffering Assessing patients spiritual need Healthcare team all participate High respect for personal spiritual condition Integral to holistic care Provide spiritual care programs Diverse Special Seasonal Staff Facilitate ethical decision making Ethical and Religious Directives Assist with Advanced Directives Embrace people where they are Listening and clarifying presence to family Culture of spirituality in organization Mission The Joint Commission Partner with Mission Integration and Directors of Pastoral Care Are there jobs? Where? Demand? Yes, Health care, hospice/palliative care Throughout the country, especially rural Within five years higher demand Average chaplain age = 63 We need you soon. Is it a viable career? Yes Collaborative on compensation Comparable to other Master-level professionals $30,000s - $60,000s Solid benefits What do I need to be prepared? Goal Board Certified Chaplain Certifying Bodies Common Standards National Association of Catholic Chaplains Membership Catholic in good standing (endorsement) Master-level degree in theology 4 units of Clinical Pastoral Education Meet competencies Prepare and work? Possible Many theological programs Ways to complete Clinical Pastoral Education(CPE) Extended Residence CPE residency and compensation Whom do I contact? Contact NACC ( or Visit NACC website,