Spiritual Care At Sierra View

As we begin celebrating National Spiritual Care Week (October 24-30, 2021), I want to take a moment to acknowledge our very special Chaplaincy staff here at Sierra View Medical Center. Our chaplaincy team provides spiritual and emotional support for patients, families, caregivers, and physicians, faithfully and with hearts of compassion. Chaplaincy staff round every day. They start in the surgery department to visit patients who have requested a visit and then they round to all of our units, including the Distinct Part/Skilled Nursing Facility (DP/SNF), Roger S. Good Cancer Treatment Center (CTC), the Medical Office Building (Medical Plaza/MOB), and non-clinical areas.

The beauty of chaplaincy’s ministry at Sierra View is that so many times patients who just happen to overhear them ministering to others will gladly invite them into their room or request a visit. Their presence brings comfort and healing related to the emotional and spiritual needs of some patients during their hospital stay. As an integral part of the multi-disciplinary caregiving team, our chaplaincy staff provides a holistic approach to recovery and well-being through connecting with others based on their spiritual, religious, and cultural needs. Because of their calling and obedience to share their ministerial gifts in the healing arts, Sierra View is able to offer spiritual and emotional support as part of our patient’s overall experience. Throughout the pandemic, the chaplaincy staff continues to provide support to families during difficult moments, as requested. Patients and family members may request the presence of a chaplaincy team member throughout their stay.

In addition to their in-person visits, our chaplaincy team also provides weekly services for staff in the hospital’s chapel. Through the Gathering Service, chaplaincy staff offers words of encouragement and sustainment for our caregivers. The Gathering Service is also available for viewing online so that employees who are unable to attend in person can still hear the message if they so wish. As additional support to employees, the chaplaincy staff round with Sierra View’s Self-Care Carts, full of snacks and comfort items. From written articles addressing the spiritual needs some employees may have to offer one-on-one consultations, the chaplaincy staff connects with the community clergy as well.

The Chaplaincy Services team includes:

• James Rogers, Chaplain Assistant 
• Juan Ayala, Chaplain Assistant
• Michael Trimble, Chaplain Assistant
• Colleen Wilson, HR Manager of Talent Development, Performance and Retention, Human Resources, and Chaplaincy Services

We are grateful for each of you and your unique ministries here at Sierra View, and the long-lasting difference you are making in so many lives!

To learn more about Spiritual Care Week, please visit https://www.nacc.org/event/pastoral-care-week-spiritual-care-week-2021-advancing-spiritual-care-through-research/.