SA1.02 – “Touching the Untouchable”: The Art of Virtual Chaplaincy
Presented by Frances Hartdige MA BCC
Overview:
The notion of “Touching the Untouchable” has somehow translated into a myth about not being able to effectively reach patients via a screen. Not only did we witness these possibilities during Covid, but as we continue to move in the 21st century, the reach of those who would otherwise be untouchable comes to life as a result of virtual chaplaincy. Come explore with me the meaning, beauty, transcendence and power of a touch that includes “offering a tissue”, a “touch on the shoulder” or other ways of being present that can still have the same impact as if you were there. Virtual chaplaincy has been nuanced in a way that no longer limits who we can reach. With the use of cell phones, tablets and other virtual platforms, we can have one of the greatest impacts that this industry has ever seen. Having access to provide support and care in the comfort of your home but also in the comfort of the home of those we are supporting, gives them the luxury of being in a familiar environment that can lend to powerful and meaningful conversations that ultimately will change not only their lives but ours as well.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the impact and effectiveness of virtual chaplaincy that transcends beyond the screen
- Develop new and re-purpose existing chaplaincy practices that can seamlessly be modified to virtual chaplaincy
- Learn to appreciate the reach of virtual chaplaincy that expands beyond the four walls of a hospital, campus or facility thereby no longer limiting the endless ways to provide care
Level: Intermediate
Handout included: Yes
SA1.03 – Engaging Racism Initiative: A Working Model for Healthcare Chaplains
Presented by Brandon Holt MDiv BCC, Kelli Jones JD MDiv BCC, David Laird MDiv BCC, & Laura Salazar-Hopps MDiv CTP BCC
Overview:
For the past three years, a group of chaplains from Memorial Hermann Health System began gathering together to discuss issues of racism on an ongoing basis. In this workshop, we will share what we have learned about creating a model for sustainable engagement on issues of race among healthcare chaplains.
Learning Objectives:
- Articulate the importance of ongoing conversations about racism among chaplaincy colleagues
- Apply a model for sustainable engagement on issues of race among healthcare chaplains
Level: Intermediate
Handout included: Yes
SA1.04 – Climate Change and the Chaplain’s Presence
Presented by Liz Olson MDiv BCC
Overview:
Climate change is being experienced everywhere now and more people are struggling with the mental, emotional and spiritual impacts, whether by suffering a disaster or by sensing an undercurrent of existential dread. Our skills as chaplains are needed and we can serve a role in addressing and adapting to this global crisis. I’ll share from my work with a local climate action group over the past 7 years and we’ll try out a support group technique. I’ll also share what I learned about grassroots mutual aid and navigating personal and community trauma when a wildfire came through our Oregon town.
Learning Objectives:
- Have an understanding of the mental, emotional and spiritual impacts of climate change for varying populations as well as themselves
- Use your chaplaincy skills to be active in addressing the climate crisis by supporting affected persons
Level: Intermediate
Handout included: No
SA1.05 – Second Victims Team
Presented by Jeff Pugh MDiv BCC
Overview:
Understanding the unique challenges associated with work in healthcare, the Second Victims Team at Northwest Texas Healthcare System was conceived in 2019 by the chaplain and CMO as one means of mitigating negative impacts of secondary emotional trauma sustained by hospital staff in the course of their work. This session will provide an overview of the NWTHS SVT from conception to current utilization and its dynamic adaptation of Critical Incident Stress Debriefing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with the objectives of improving staff retention and mental health.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn what a Second Victims Team is and its history, development, training, and processes within a healthcare setting
- Understand the uniqueness, value, benefits of this team as well as the current stories and experiences at a Trauma Hospital
- Be able to use Critical Incident Stress Debriefing with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as necessary tools to help the hospital staff
Level: Intermediate
Handout included: Yes
SA1.06 – What About Movement?: Integrating Movement Intervention in Spiritual Care
Presented by Dana Rainey MAM
Overview:
Movement is a meaningful and enjoyable activity which promotes physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellness. It allows for non-verbal expression and can be part of a ritual. Within healthcare settings, patients with acute and chronic conditions can safely engage in small movements as part of our spiritual care work. If you have interest in providing movement within your spiritual care visits and practice this workshop is for you. This workshop invites you to explore creative movement and discover ways movement can spiritually and emotionally support patients. The session will be interactive and include opportunities to engage in gentle movements together.
Learning Objectives:
- Articulate the benefits of integrating movement into spiritual care visits
- Describe and demonstrate specific strategies for integrating movement into spiritual care visits
- Explore and assess how a Chaplains’ own spiritual care practice might be enhanced by the addition of these interventions
Level: Beginner
Handout included: No
SA1.07 – Moral Injury, Spiritual Recovery and the Creative Arts: An Interactive Group Approach to Helping Veterans
Presented by Carol Ramsey-Lucas MDiv BCC, Cheryl Jones MDiv BCC, & Cindy Wallace DMin BCC NAVAC CCISM CGP
Overview:
This interactive presentation will explore the curriculum and activities utilized in the Moral Injury and Spiritual Recovery and the Moral Injury and the Creative Arts groups offered by Chaplain Services at the Washington, DC VA Medical Center. The groups use a combination of educational didactics, mindfulness exercises, creative writing, poetry, music, body work, and ritual to work through a range of issues related to moral injury. Topics covered in the groups include a comparison of PTSD and moral injury, values, trauma and the body, guilt and shame, grief and loss, resilience, and the role of ritual in our lives. In this workshop, presenters will guide participants through exercises and activities used with veterans in a typical group session.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify characteristics, causes, and symptoms of moral injury including the difference between moral injury and PTSD
- Recognize the symptoms of spiritual distress caused by moral injury and the impact of the spiritual distress in everyday life
- Learn and experience evidence-based practices used in treating spiritual distress caused by moral injury
Level: Beginner
Handout included: No
SA1.08 – Lament, Legacy, and Learning through the Art of Chaplaincy
Presented by Rodger Stenger MDiv BCC
Overview:
The Birds of My Youth is a documentary film that I made as a chaplain detailing the love and legacy of a husband of one of our palliative care patients. You can watch the trailer and read the synopsis here (www.birdsofmyyouth.com). I will show this touching film which will be followed by a discussion on several key aspects of the film and how they relate and promote awareness of chaplaincy, legacy, dementia, music and the use of art in Chaplaincy. The film has been nominated in one film festival so far and is both inspiring and educational. I was intricately involved in every aspect of this project from the inception to directing to networking the parts, and several institutions have expressed interest in using it to raise awareness and educate.
Learning Objectives:
- Better understand dementia
- Better understand the role of music in dementia
- Explore the use of film as a medium to create legacy, educate and integrate grief
Level: Intermediate
Handout included: No
SA1.09 – Introduction to Buddhism, Buddhist Chaplaincy and Mindfulness
Presented by Max Hokai Swanger MDiv BCC
Overview:
This workshop will orient chaplains to the story of the historical Buddha and the basic teachings of Buddhism. Various schools of Buddhism will also be discussed and explored. Tools will be taught for working with patients who identify as Buddhist. The workshop will teach people how to practice basic mindfulness meditation and learn how to lead mindfulness meditation as a calming and centering tool for patients, families and staff.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the story or the historical Buddha and basic teachings of Buddhism
- Provide spiritual support for a Buddhist Patient
- Practice and lead mindfulness meditation for patients, family and staff
Level: Beginner
Handout included: Yes
SA1.10 – Compression & Decompression: Post-Resuscitation Staff Care in the Chaplain-Led Post Code Debrief Study
Presented by Shelley Varner Perez MDiv MPH CPH BCC, Myra Whitaker MDiv BCC, & Gregory Morse MDiv
Overview:
Clinicians providing care during resuscitation “code” events may experience psychological, emotional, and moral distress, contributing to burnout and turnover. COVID-19 exacerbated these challenges. Debriefing increases positive coping and reduces acute stress; however, debriefs occur infrequently, rely on physician facilitators, and omit emotional components. Between December 2020 and July 2022, our chaplain-led research team gathered survey and interview data from multidisciplinary care team members (nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and RTs) about their experiences of code events; compiled and tested a debrief tool; and in collaboration with our facility’s Code Blue Committee piloted a debrief intervention hospital-wide to support staff following adult inpatient resuscitation events. Learn about our experience and our research findings.
Learning Objectives:
- Name an aspect of team distress associated with resuscitation “code” events
- Describe components of a clinical team-focused post code debrief intervention
- Discuss potential barriers to completing post-code debriefs.
Level: Intermediate
Handout included: Yes
ONLINE VIDEO/AUDIO RECORDING RETURN POLICY
Effective as of: July 1, 2023
This applies to Annual Conference Recordings, Professional Education Webinar Recordings, Chaplain Symposium Recordings, and Webinar Journal Club Recordings.
