Celebrating Pastoral Care Week 2008

Dr. Pamela Cipriano, RN, FAAN, NEA-BC, Chief Clinical Officer and Chief Nursing Officer, and Staff Chaplain Melvin Janzen, M.Div., BCC talk about National Pastoral Care Week in the UVA Health System Chapel.
Click to watch the video!

"I want to feature Pastoral Care Week, October 20 to 26, and recognize our Hospital Chaplains. Nationally, Pastoral Care Week provides an opportunity for chaplains and pastoral care counselors, educators, and providers to share their stories and to celebrate various ministries. All of us know that illness and hospitalization are stressful events in the lives of our patients and their families. Chaplains help us provide the essential caring comfort and presence that aid healing and grief.

I have chosen to focus on Hospital Chaplains for another reason, too. These are stressful times for all of us as we deal with the uncertainties of our economy, anticipate the upcoming Presidential election, and realize the effects of being at war. Pastoral Care Week is an opportunity to remember that our Chaplains are resources to staff as well as patients. Please acknowledge our partners in care and caring during their observance week and make good use of the resources you need to maintain your own physical and spiritual health."

--Pamela Cipriano, Clinical Care Services NewBriefs, October 2008

Former Pastoral Care Week Themes