This month I am looking into certification for Palliative Care and Advanced Hospice Chaplaincy with the National Association of Catholic Chaplains. The prerequisite is a minimum of five years and 500 hours practice in palliative or hospice care chaplaincy. I just have over 750 hours in palliative care chaplaincy and am preparing for interview this month. I am not certain if I want to specialize in palliative care because it is only a fraction of what I do in the hospital. I am discerning whether to specialize in this area or remain a generalist. There are fourteen competencies that need to be demonstrated in word and practice. The following posts describe those competencies without the details of my case studies that are confidential.
Here are
the two little guides that are recommended by the National
Association of Catholic Chaplains (click on titles to see the more
detail). They are short and simple, but offer important information
that is most helpful. It is most important to remember to be kind to
yourselves as you move through the grief process after the death a loved
one. Don't try to bull through it. You are not alone, but each of us moves through grief in our own
unique way. Even within one family spouses and siblings each have their own way. Love each other through it. Give yourself time to mourn and honor sacred memories.
Sister Donna Maria
Gone
from My Sight: The Dying Experience by Barbara Karnes
What to expect in one to three months
prior to death; one to two weeks prior to death; one or two days prior to death
and in the final hours.
Hard
Choices for Loving People by Hank Dunn
Most common decisions that need to be considered
when discussing the goals of medical care with the physician. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Feeding
Tubes (Artificial Nutrition and Hydration); Palliative Care and Hospice Care; Treatment
Options; Emotional and Spiritual Issues.
