19 October 2023The Role and Benefits of Spiritual Care in HealthcareSpirituality simply refers to how we find and make meaning in life in the essence of our humanity. Spirituality is at the center of everything we do, but it is only one component of faith and religion. It is the human ability to transcend any experience or circumstance yet find hope, purpose, and meaning as we seek to see beyond the situation. That is the core of spirituality, where we root our lives in our beliefs, practices, and values to create meaning.Spiritual care is a spiritual practice offered in many healthcare settings to support those coping with the complexities of life and health. In a healthcare setting, spiritual care is essential to the services provided to patients, families, and staff. This work is done through the work of professional chaplains. Many hold a common misunderstanding regarding the role chaplains play in the healthcare environment. It is often thought that the purpose of a chaplain is mainly to offer prayer at the end of life. However, in today's healthcare arena, chaplains are called upon to journey with patients and families as they adjust to illness and diagnoses and to be the bridge between the medical staff and the family's beliefs and wishes. Chaplains help those they encounter find meaning as they navigate life situations. Additionally, chaplains offer significant support to staff and physicians to help mitigate workplace stress and anxiety.Chaplains work with people of all faith backgrounds and even those who profess to be agnostic or atheist. One of By Sarita Wilson-Guffin, Director of Spiritual Care, Le Bonheur Children \' s HospitalSarita Wilson-GuffinCXO INSIGHTS
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