Frequently Asked Questions

What do RMH chaplains do?

• RMH chaplains will listen to you and care for you if you want to talk about things that concern you.
• We will keep what you say private, talking about your concerns only with your other health caregivers as necessary so that, together, we can give you the best care.
• Chaplains can help you work through decisions you need to make or help you plan your next step with respect to health care, personal relationships, faith or whatever else is on your mind.
• Chaplains can help you think about what you believe and why, and can help you explore how your beliefs can strengthen you.
• We can assist you to identify other resources that may help you.

I am in grief. Can you help me?

• We cannot take away your grief or remove your loss, but we can be with you in your sorrow and help you know you are not alone.
• We can listen and pay attention to your sadness, anger or fear, reassuring you that these are normal, reasonable feelings.
• We can help you think about what you believe, and we can pray together about what you are going through.
• We can help you find additional sources of help through RMH Grief Support Services and other community resources.

What church are your chaplains from?

• As RMH chaplains, we are recommended by our various faith groups, but in our work here, we do not represent our own faith groups.
• Our purpose is to offer support and care to patients and to assist them in developing their own spiritual resources, not to promote any particular church or faith.

Will a chaplain contact my own clergy person for me?

• We will help you contact your own clergy or try to do so on your behalf, if you need help. But we are not always able to make the contact quickly.
• We encourage you and your family to contact your own clergy person as soon as you know you are going to be hospitalized. Your clergy person will appreciate being given the opportunity to support you in your time of need.