Many times my first encounter with a patient is in the hospital, the first picture on this post.  Some of my patients eventually transfer to hospice care and my visits with them are in the home, a same picture is the second picture in the post.

I have a welcome letter that is sent to all new hospice patients informing them that I am available to visit them.  Many are not motivated to invite a visit until I make my follow up phone call and they recognize my voice as the voice of the chaplain they met when they were hospitalized.  Once they realize they know me, the invitation to come visit is generally extended by them before I get the opportunity to ask if I can visit.

This tells me that the patient – chaplain relationship developed in the hospital lasts well past the day the patient is discharged from the hospital.  This relationship is what allows me to “get my foot in the door” when they are home.  As I talk with patients they many times will tell me what impression my visits to them in the hospital made them want me to come to their home.  I learn a lot from what patients tell me is important.

Here is a short list of some of the most common responses I receive:

• You took the time to learn about my family and how my illness is affecting all of us.
• You listed without pronouncing an answer at the end of the visit.
• You allowed me to express my faith background and honored it.

All of these responses show one common ingredient: LISTENING.

The story of the patient’s life is important to them and when they can perceive you are truly listening it makes a difference to them!  When the future is uncertain (which applied in many illness situations) having a companion come along beside you and accompany you on the journey makes a difference.  It shows respect, caring, and that their personal story is important.

So I want to close this post with a sincere thank you to all who are regularly reading my blog.  By reading you are “listening” to what is on my mind.  As you read you are learning about the mission of chaplaincy and I truly appreciate that interest you are showing!