Monday, November 8, 2010

Chaplain Jeanne



Patient was so glad to be cared for at this hospital. She worked at another hospital and hated every day that she worked there (20 years). She said the staff did not take good care or treat the patient’s right. She told them she was coming to the hospital she was presently at for medical help.

Another patient was experiencing sharp pain if she moved. She said when her granddaughter was 5 years of age she started getting big in her stomach. The little girl said she was getting a fat belly like her daddy. They took her to the hospital and she had a cancerous tumor attached to her liver. Up-to-date - the patient shared how the girl (now who was 12) and went back to the hospital and was saying how painful it was what they were doing to her. Then she added that she understood what her grandmother was going through with her pain. She also shared how her sister just fell over the bed and they found several tumors in her head. I asked if she had told the doctor about the cancer that ran in her family, she said she had not, but that said she would.

Met a husband who expressed how unhappy he was with the treatment the hospital was giving his wife. (That was unusual for this hospital. I mostly hear such good things) He told me that she was despondent and he did not know what was wrong with her. She had quit taking all her medications and seemed to possible be depressed- not sure. He loved her, and did not know what to do. I went into the room and began talking with her. She opened right up and began sharing with me. Her husband came into the room (better that he had stayed away as I was suspecting his overbearing attitude could have an effect with his wife). While we both were in the room she messed right on her bed. The staff came after awhile and helped clean her up. He was furious and talked more while we were outside the room about the treatment she had been getting. He shared further the way his own children treated their mother (these were middle age adults) who would hardly visit her and he was thinking about doing something that would wake them up and mentioned his “Will” That was what I figured he was talking about. He shared he was a retired principal around here and knew about things. His son came over to help make a wider doorway for a wheel chair for his mother and wanted to know why she couldn’t walk instead. It did not sound good. I tried to encourage him to let go and forgive. He said he did not hold grudges. Hmmmm! He was very disappointed with his kid’s behavior and did not know how to help his wife. He wished his kids had offered to help some, and they did not.

Met a patient who introduced me to his family. One was a minister of a Church of God – Missouri and another came in shortly who was a minister of Church of God – Cleveland. They both pastured not too far away. The patient had been in a car accident 20 years ago having a metal and pins put into his leg. This had caused infection (leg was red) and they were doing surgery. He should have had the pins taken out a long time ago and did not. We had prayer together and they were so polite shaking hands a second time when I left. I shared I shared that I was a Nazarene who was like the Church of God. They said that was like the Anderson Church of God.

Met a patient who could not speak, He said he was an alcoholic and was seeking help. I shared some reasons – good family support and accountability from several friends to check in daily – staying away from even a sip of drink. He did not like that part because he wanted to reward himself with a drink after so many times of not drinking. He did not want any more to do with me after that. It sounded like he really doesn’t not want help. That is too bad. His wife had left the room for us to talk, but he was done.

One young girl was frightened she had overdosed and was going to be sent to the Psychiatric ward. She told me she was scared. I held her hand and had prayer with her. The doctor came in and saw the situation and backed off, but I conveyed to her we were done. After the doctor left, I felt impressed to take her a scripture card "God will take care of you" She took it I thank gratefully. She really needs prayer.

Chaplain Jeanne



Met a man who wanted to talk. He was in the hospital and would be going to a nursing home for rehabilitation. His wife had cancer and he needed to be home for her he expressed. She had cancer several years ago having breast removed and now it came back the cancer. His mother had died shortly who had been in a nursing home. She did not want to be there, but the medical staff felt she would be better taken care of and should be there talking her into going there. Now they had the same issue with his wife's mothers who were on her 80's and not well. She could not make it to the bathroom and would mess. She refused to go to a nursing home where they could take better care of her. It was difficult on him and his wife who were elderly themselves and not well.

Walked into one room and the patient had his lunch in front of him. He had a bun and trimmings with not meat. They had left off the meat. I shared how when I went to college, the same things happened to me. I had ordered a hamburger and as I was eating it realized there was not meant on the bum. It was actually funny. My husband may have been the one to figure it out as I was expressing that the sandwich was odd. Crazy isn't it?

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Chaplain Jeanne


Met a young man who admitted he had a problem with alcohol. A good first step. He is scared about going into treatment which is coming up. He knows he is hurting his family who supports him, and wished he had a job. Gave him encouragement that he was taking a step in the right direction and that it would not be easy, but support will help him through this. His parents came into the room and shared how they support him as well. The dad seemed a little judgmental and tough, but hopefully, he will be a good support. The father asked what church that I go to and I said “Nazarene”. He knows someone at the WC and MSBG Nazarene churches. He also knew some of my family members. They seem like a nice family that will help their son through this difficult time in his life.

An elderly lady seemed to have to need to talk a lot. She talked so much, and sad to say I did not fellow well. It was getting lengthy. Her daughter was there and followed me out into the hallway. She started sharing how her mother was found hurt and had lay there for it seemed days before being found. She further shared how guilty she felt about it all. She said she was going to counseling and when her mother found out what had actually happened she would be upset over it all. There seemed to be something about a telephone call that bothered the younger women. I assured her she was not to feel guilty, and that she was here NOW for her mother. She is headed to see her pastor/counselor.

Walked into a room and the patient was on the telephone. He hung up and wanted prayer when he found out who I was. I had prayed and he expressed such a thankful heart toward chaplain. He said “this is the day the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be glad.” If only we all did practice that all the time, it would be a wonderful world.

One lady was rather emotional due to her recent sickness and now another one. She also expressed home trouble and did not seem to be in the best of spirits. I shared with her something recently that I have been studying from the book of Philippians in how God wants us to be joyful. It is not easy, but he will walk with us and help us. He does not promise that we will be free from pain. Jesus even cried over sorrow once over a death, and is been for us where we are in pain. Used some scripture and prayer. Hopefully, she will have some things to think about to encourage her spirits.

Chaplain Jeanne


Met a woman who shared an unusual message. She was lying in her bed and looked up and saw a message on the ceiling. It said to this effect "Seek Truth and rebirth" She felt that God was speaking to her. She does not attend church and her background is Catholic. I assured her God does use various ways to get our attention and encouraged her to seek God and explained the new birth (what it meant). I encouraged her to get a study bible. She does not want to go to church because she does not want to become a member and get involved in all the activities. Shared how church is meaningful to us - regarding fellowship, spiritual growth, ect. Prayed with her - using John 3:16.

Chaplain Jeanne


Patient had several guest sitting with her. She was in good spirits. I asked her about herself and she responded she is having heart surgery. She tries not to think about it she said, finally. I had prayer with her and gave encouragement.

Computer consult mentioned Advanced Directives. This was lying on the table in the room. Asked about it and patient did not want to bother with it. Offered prayer and he said I could prayer “Out there”. I told him I would. I do not think it was a good time for a visit. Consult said – cardiac alert. Why would someone want Advance Directives and no prayer?

Chaplain Jeanne


Request to witness a “trust” Large group of family members were present. When I introduced myself, one member said it was the same as the patient’s name. Both spelled the same, but pronounced differently. She was such a sweet lady with a beautiful smile. I had prayer with her before I left. She did seem to be unstable mentally due to some comments made a couple times.

Visited and had prayer with a women and then met a friend of hers in the hallway as we talked about half hour. She shared how much cancer is her family and that she had lots of cousins her age who none had cancer so far. Showed me some pictures of her family. The women I visited was non-responsive.

Asked at the station if I should see anyone. Had prayer with one patient per nurse request that I visit her. She was alert and willing for prayer.

Couple who were waiting in the waiting room shared about the Intern that was with them during the patient’s time there. The one guest said they colored the patient’s heart spilling dye. He said he would give him a purple heart for Christmas. The lady told me she said her prayers of thanks. They were in good humor especially the man with all his wise comments.

I was paged that patient was depressed and needed a chaplain. The patient did not seem very open to share. Asked what was going on – he did not know, asked if it was a long time – responded, depends on what is long he said. Asked if prayed would help – he held out his hand. Held hand and both chaplain and patient prayed audibly. Wished him a blessed night – and he said – yes maam. I noticed a sign in window post that said (Trust in the Lord)