Category: The Hospice Chaplaincy Show

Patients who are terminally ill and dying need to be heard and know they are not alone. It is essential to create an environment in which the person feels free to explore their concerns and openly express their feelings without feeling rejected or judged. Active listening involves many skills and components such as; relaxed yet engaged body posture, eye contact, reassuring touch, listening beyond or beneath the literal words said by a person to the deeper emotions, meaning, and needs.

During his family medicine residency at a Toronto shelter, Dr. Dosani had an experience with a homeless man who was dying of cancer, while also suffering with mental health issues and addictions. Despite working closely with the man to develop trust and a pain management plan, Dr. Dosani returned to the shelter one morning to learn that his patient was found dead on the street having overdosed the night before.

The experience had a profound effect on Dr. Dosani and the trajectory of his career, motivating him to find ways to bridge the gap from the policy level to the individual level.

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She finds hospice social work rewarding because the job involves making strong connections with people, learning, and celebrating their life stories, and having a positive impact on clients and their families.

Danelle’s educational background includes.

·       Master of Divinity, Pastoral Counseling and Care at Ashland Theological Seminary

·       Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Malone College

·       Clinical Pastoral Education (1 unit) from MedCentral Health System

·       Clinical Pastoral Education (Residency) OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital

In 2017, she completed her twelve month course in Interfaith Studies followed by
a six month CPE program. In September 2019 the unexpected door of opportunity opened wide when she accepted the position to be a hospice chaplain in Oregon. Although she grew up in the Evangelical church, Tammy has now left behind her ties to Christianity and currently identifies as Agnostic Humanist. She likes to say that she is more drawn to the human spirit than the holy spirit. Warmly embracing her unknowingness which in turn allows others to do the same.

The questions this episode addresses include.
1. How has the covid-19 pandemic affected you?
2. How has the pandemic affected the practice of hospice chaplaincy?
3. Where do you see hospice Chaplaincy going after Covid?
4. How does staff support look like in this time?
5. A talk about helping those who are spiritual not religious and also those who are atheist.
6. Boundaries in Hospice Chaplaincy. Where to draw the line. It’s important to care about our work, but equally important to know when to back away

In her capacity as Clinical Director, Aracely has counseled many patients suffering from incurable and progressive or terminal illnesses and their families about end of life options and choices.

In today’s episode, we talk to our guest about his journey to Hospice Chaplaincy. On the job, Hospice chaplains have no scripts to follow or party tricks to employ. They learn to meet tragedy with humility and an open mind.

Bruce is also an author.  He writes books and study guides for his teaching ministry.  His latest book is titled Get Out of Jail Free: Breaking Out of Legalism. This book has proven to be very meaningful for people who have been exposed to legalistic teaching and helps them find liberty in their experience as a Christian. You can learn more about Bruce at: http://www.brucegministries.com

Derrick is very passionate and loves the chaplaincy. Derrick’s life experiences have taught him, the importance of listening and meeting people right where they are with no judgments, but compassion and acceptance. He believes chaplaincy is a calling, not a job.