Columbus Regional Hospital - Health Matters

"As a chaplain, I meet a diverse group of people where they are, regardless of their religious faith." —JEREMY SIMMONS, MDIV, CHAPLAIN AT COLUMBUS REGIONAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM Helping Those Who Help Us Physicians, nurses and other medical providers care deeply about the well-being of their patients. Working in a hospital, however, can be draining. One job of a hospital chaplain is to provide spiritual and emotional support to the medical staff. "I'm careful to provide care that reduces burnout and compassion fatigue," says Jeremy Simmons, MDiv, chaplain at Columbus Regional Healthcare System. "This can happen when physicians and other caregivers focus too much on others without taking time to care for themselves." Apathy, isolation, bottling up emotions and compulsive behaviors can all be symptoms of compassion fatigue. "Having someone to support the well-being of our clinicians can help them provide even better care to their own patients," Simmonsšsays. WORKING INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE HOSPITAL In his work as chaplain, Simmons performs daily rounds on each floor of the hospital. He also visits the Cancer Center daily. "One of the things I love about being a chaplain is that each day presents itself with different opportunities," Simmons says. "In addition to my rounds, I respond to referrals that involve end-of-life concerns, prayers or rituals, grief support, crisis counseling and family support. I also respond to all 'code blue' notifications, which mean someone needs resuscitation." For those who need the services of a chaplain, whatever their faith or lack thereof, Simmons is ready and willing to provide support. "I am on-call for all emergencies that take place in the hospital after hours," Simmons says. "Patients can expect me to be open and inviting when I enter their space. I will create a safe space for patients to share their feelings around their experience in regard to medical issues, as well as other stressors that may play a role in their health." Simmons' work doesn't stop at the hospital doors. "In the near future, we plan to offer lunch-and-learn opportunities for spiritual leaders in the community," Simmons says. "Topics may include grief, trauma and end of life. We also have the opportunity to engage in conversations via satellite through the Chaplain's Grand Rounds from Carolinas HealthCare System." To learn more about all services at CRHS, visit crhealthcare.org. Mor a Hpita 5 CRHEALTHCARE.ORG DIFFERENT NEEDS, DIFFERENT CARE Simmons has a Master of Divinity degree from Duke University, is a resident in the clinical pastoral education program at Carolinas HealthCare System and is currently preparing to become a board-certified chaplain with the Association of Professional Chaplains. Because he attended seminary, he is qualified to serve as a pastor in the local church, but his role in the hospital is different than that of a pastor. "Pastors help people grow in their faith and usually have a particular faith base that they serve," Simmons says. "Chaplains are trained to work with all beliefs and to engage people in the faith that provides strength and meaning to them." Just like a medical resident, Simmons is supervised while he gains experience caring for others. Reverend David Carl, executive director of spiritual care and education at Carolinas HealthCare System, serves as his clinical and administrative supervisor. "Jeremy is learning what you don't learn in seminary, which is how to be clinically relevant while offering spiritual care," Rev. Carl says. "In seminary, you may not learn how to be with someone who lost a baby at birth or how to care for someone who is getting ready to die. Chaplains are trained to be attuned to those different dynamics."

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