Her Smile Is Enough for Me: Critical Care Pediatric Chaplaincy
90 Minute Workshops
Sunday, June 2, 2019 (8:45 am session)
Workshop Level: Intermediate
NACC Certification Competencies: ITP3, PIC6, PPS2, OL2
PRESENTERS
Jim J. Manzardo, STB, BCC
Chaplain, Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Chicago, IL
Glenda R. Spearman, MDiv, BCC
Chaplain, Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Chicago, IL
Life-sustaining medical interventions for critically ill children place healthcare providers and caregivers in difficult positions regarding complex life-prolonging treatment decisions. Caregivers’ and healthcare providers’ perspectives are shaped by their values, culture and particular experiences, the differences of which can be a source of tension and distress. As witness to both parties’ experiences, the pediatric chaplain is in the sometimes-tense liminal space as: container of caregiver and staff distress, caregiver advocate, and liaison between both. Since this position is not unique to pediatric chaplaincy, participants working in adult patient settings are encouraged to share ways they navigate these stressful situations.
As a result of this workshop, participants will:
- Understand the complex neonatal and pediatric intensive care world in which caregivers are forced to confront the harsh reality of their child’s neurological devastation and/or poor prognosis.
- Understand the existential and spiritual transformation parents experience after choosing life-prolonging interventions and the chaplain accompaniment role.
- Appreciate the chaplain role in supporting ICU staff who care for these children and families and who
experience their own ethical and moral dilemmas and distress.
Educational Materials (recommended books, articles, or websites for participants to review prior to the workshop)
- Family Support and Family-Centered Care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Origins, Advances, Impact, Judith S. Gooding et al. http://fsp.unc.edu/Topical-Briefs-Family-Support-Family-Centered-Care-in-NICU
- A Metasynthesis: Uncovering What Is Known About the Experiences of Families With Children Who Have Life-limiting and Life-threatening Illnesses. Jill Bally et al. Journal of Pediatric Nursing 38 (2018), 88-98.
- Parents’ Faith and Hope During the Pediatric Palliative Phase and the Association with Long-Term Parental Adjustment. I. M. van der Geest et al. Journal of Palliative Medicine, Volume 18, No. 5, 2015
Presentation Materials (items to be brought to the workshop and/or presentation materials)
SU1.2 ~ Family Support In The NICU
SU1.2 ~ Her Smile Is Enough For Me
SU1.2 ~ Metasynthesis
SU1.2 ~ Parents’ Faith And Hope
The NACC categorizes workshops on three levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. The definitions of each level are provided below.
Beginner: Basic information on the topic for those with little background in the area.
Intermediate: Basic plus additional information on the topic for those with some background in the area.
Advanced: Specialized information on the topic for those with extensive experience and/or knowledge in the area.
Click here to go back to the main Workshop materials/handouts page
