| September 4, Thursday We're continuing our orientation. The focus of orientation is shifting slowly from "general life in the happy kingdom of Mayo" to the specifics of pastoral care that we will be offering to patients and families in our units. Twice a month the entire Chaplaincy department meets for Continuing Ed. Today the presentation was "Providing pastoral care at the time of death". It was a very interesting presentation and discussion led by one of the staff chaplains. It was helpful to hear experienced chaplains reflect on that topic and share their personal experiences. I visited the two units where I will be working this first quarter. Another of the staff chaplains, Len Pankuch will serve as a mentor for me on these units. One of my units is Medical Thoracic/Family Medicine and the other is Urology, Plastic Surgery, Oral Surgery, and Ophthalmology. These seem like odd configurations to me. I am bombarded with the sense that I have a lot to learn. Len said that attending daily patient discharge planning meetings in the units will be helpful for me as I get acculturated to the units and get to know the staff and the needs of the individual patients and families. Becky registered for her classes today at Interlochen and moved into her dorm room. Marion and Owen were there too to help. The two of them will drive all the way home tomorrow. I miss them all! |