Prospective students often wonder what types of experiences they will encounter in the CPE training. While each person’s experience is unique and somewhat unpredictable, the following experiences are typical of what students encounter.

Upon admission, every patient is provided the opportunity to request a visit from a chaplain. The chaplain assigned to a particular unit receives the request and initiates the visit. Some patients simply want a friendly visit and possibly prayer or Scripture reading. Other patients have concerns that they want to discuss, ranging from family relationships to the meaning of their illness to anticipated lifestyle changes.

In addition to patient or family member requests for visits, staff members are trained to make referrals to chaplains. For example, when a patient is wrestling with a difficult decision, the chaplain can help the patient sort through the options and decide which option fits the patient’s values. Or the chaplain can help a patient identify how their religious resources help during their illness.

A frequent referral occurs at the time of death, especially an unexpected death. The chaplain provides support to the family as they begin the grief process.

Chaplains also respond automatically to certain situations in the hospital. For example, Lancaster General Hospital is a trauma center and the chaplain is part of the trauma response team. Whenever a trauma occurs in Lancaster County or the western part of Chester County, the patient is brought to our trauma center. Common causes of traumas include car accidents, falls, farm accidents, and attacks. The chaplain’s role is to contact the family or friends of the patient and provide support to them during the initial treatment time. The chaplain provides a non-anxious presence during these crises.

When not busy with referrals or crises, the chaplains can initiate visits to patients and families. Visiting patients on their assigned units can open the door to pastoral care opportunities. When families are gathered after normal visiting hours, the chaplain might check in with them to see if any support is needed.

So, typical experiences of a CPE student include meeting a wide-range of people in various life situations to help them find ways to draw upon their spiritual resources during times of illness or injury.