Yesterday and today I tried to make a follow-up visit to a patient who was originally seen by one of our On-Call Chaplains.  Each time I went to see her our Patient Transport staff was in her room preparing to take her for a test.  Since I know the patient believes in the power of prayer I asked the staff to allow me a few minutes to pray.  The patient appreciated the prayer but the whole visit lasted less than 2 minutes each day.  I am really hoping that on Thursday I will be able to have a visit with a long enough length of time that it can be meaningful for the patient.

This is one of the surprising dynamics of hospital chaplaincy.  Even though the patient is an in-patient and in our building 24 hours a day, getting a chance to see the patient can be a challenge when the patient is having diagnostics or surgeries that have them outside of their room.  I know that is aware of my diligence in trying to have a quality visit and until we can have a longer visit this will have to suffice.