DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed to provide an experience of pastoral care in the hospice setting, under the direct supervision of an experienced hospice spiritual care provider. Students will: 1) explore attitudes about disease, pain, suffering, spirituality & religion at the end of life, and death & dying; 2) learn the hospice philosophy of palliative care; 3) develop skills in visitation and spiritual assessment within home and health care facility contexts; 4) sharpen abilities to reflect theologically in connection with patient care needs and concerns; 5) participate in grief support settings, memorial services and other rituals as available.

This course provides an introduction to the world of hospice ministry - its tasks, skills, challenges and opportunities.

The student will spend a minimum of 100 hours in hospice-related settings (homes, skilled nursing settings, office) in one 10-week period. During this time, the student will be given patient visit assignments, meet regularly with the supervising chaplain and other hospice staff for integrative and didactic sessions, and participate in memorial services or support group settings as assigned. The chaplain will provide training and lead discussions on topics relevant to hospice 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 each of three books to be selected in consultation with the supervising chaplain.

Regular and punctual attendance, completion of all visitation assignments, attendance at agreed upon meetings, inservices, and support groups, completion of at least two written (typed) verbatims, three 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 Office of Field Education is necessary. The location of the assignment varies and is pre-arranged with the Field Education Office. Every attempt is made to select patient locations which are convenient to the student. Some meetings will take place in the hospice agency's main office in West Covina. All students will complete an orientation with the chaplain supervisor at the beginning of the internship.

Meets FE2 Field Education M.Div. requirement (MIN 7). This internship is offered pass/fail for two units.

None.