DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed to provide an experience of pastoral care in the general or psychiatric hospital setting under the direct supervision of a certified Hospital Chaplain. Students will: 1) explore attitudes about disease, pain, suffering, psychic dysfunction, separation from family, and death and dying; 2 ) develop skills in the visitation of patients and in relating to hospital staff; 3) sharpen abilities to reflect theologically in connection with personal encounters in the hospital setting; and 4) participate in leading of worship or devotional programs as scheduled.

This course offers an introduction to the tasks and skills of ministry as a hospital chaplain in a general-medical and/or psychiatric institution.

The student will spend four (4) hours a day, once a week, or its equivalent (e.g., 2 hours per day twice a week) for ten weeks (a total of 40 hours) in the hospital setting. During this time, the student will be given visitation assignments, will meet regularly with the chaplain and other hospital staff for integrative and didactic sessions, and will participate in worship or devotional services. The chaplain will provide training and lead discussions on topics relevant to the hospital ministry. Students are required to attend all sessions.

A one-page book report in the form of a synopsis or reflective analysis will be completed on three (3) books to be selected in consultation with the supervising chaplain.

Regular attendance and completion of all visitation assignments, attendance at all scheduled seminars, participation in at least one chapel service, completion of at least two (2) written (typed) verbatims, three (3) book reviews, and one personal evaluation report to be submitted the tenth week of the quarter by the supervising Chaplain and the student to the Office of Field Education. NOTE: Substitute assignments may be given by the chaplain, but equivalent material must be submitted.

Pre-enrollment with the Field Education Department is necessary. Students must attend a Preparatory Workshop prior to the practicum. The location of the assignment varies and is pre-arranged with the Field Education Office. Every attempt is made to select a hospital setting that is most convenient and helpful to the student. All hospital assignments are made prior to registration.

Elective. Meets non-core Field Education graduation requirement. This practicum is offered for credit/no credit and 2 units.

None.