Pastor from northern Michigan Region,
“The Chaplains are very valuable to me as a pastor from a distant town. They are readily available when my parishioners are admitted and can make repeat visits on my behalf. They are also very good at keeping me updated on a patient’s condition. I have invited them to my church so that my parishioners can become familiar with them before they need their services. They provide excellent pastoral care in my absence.”
The Rev. George Handzo, Board Certified Chaplain, Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, Vice President Pastoral Care Leadership & Practice, HealthCare Chaplaincy (New York, NY).
“You certainly are positioned for great things; you have the opportunity to think and act regionally.”
Michele Adaline, RN, BSN, MBA, CCRN, Clinical Nurse Manager (Intensive Care Unit) at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital
“I have many encounters weekly with Northern Chaplain Services in the ICU at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital. I find them to be very responsive to the spiritual needs of the patients and they give wonderful guidance to the nursing and medical staff on dealing with some very difficult issues in the ICU. The are great to work with, are considered part of our team and are very much appreciated.”
Dr. John Grebe, PsyD, Director of Petoskey Behavioral Health (P.C.) “As a psychologist, I have always supported the idea of chaplaincy. However, it wasn’t until my father lay close to death following a recent surgery that I came to fully appreciate the vital role they play in providing care. I recall a particular point in the intensive care unit when the Chaplain tended to my family’s needs. So helpless to change events ourselves, we were adrift in the realization of pending loss when the Chaplain came to listen. The time, prayers, and caring that was offered buoyed us through the worst. Even as our fear eased with my father’s recovery, the Chaplain continued to be vigilant on our behalf. Later, with my spirits lifting, I once again saw the Chaplain, though this time beyond our situation, again communicating the love and care of the divine to another shocked family as life’s tug of war with death was being played out in its next chapter. Chaplains are dedicated colleagues standing in the gap, holding with/onto us in that time when our own strength is inadequate to sustain. God Bless them and their extraordinary ministry. We are fortunate to have them.”
Linda Sheppard, RN, BSN, Clinical Nurse Manager Women and Childrens Care Center at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital
The Women and Children’s area of the hospital is always thought of as the happy and fun place to be. The majority of the time, it is. When a baby or child is ill or does not survive, it is extremely sad for the families and the staff. There are times when a child has to be transferred to a downstate hospital. When an unexpected event happens, we often call on the Chaplains for comfort for our families and staff. The Chaplains have been extremely supportive of our patients and staff and provide great comfort to everyone. There are times when patients have their own pastor or priest and our chaplains have also assisted in getting them to the bedside and providing that support. They provide a great service to us and are always considered an important part of the team.
Dr. Tim Ismond, DO., Internal Medicine of Northern Michigan “Chaplain Services at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital provide support for patients and family members who are asking the question, “Why is this happening to us?” Physical illnesses raise many difficult to answer questions about the “purpose” and “meaning” of life. The Chaplaincy Service has been excellent at avoiding simplistic answers; instead, they choose to focus on being a physical and spiritual presence during a time of crisis. I have also referred outpatients to the Chaplain for grief and loss issues.”
Toni Moriarty-Smith, Manager of Health Unit Coordinators, Magnet Program Director/Clinical Practice Model Manager at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital
“I recommend Northern Chaplain Services as a JCAHO compliant and professional ministry service that provides spiritual care for patients, families, and staff as a member of the multidisciplinary collaborative health care team at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital in Petoskey Michigan.”
Susan Stout, Manager of Volunteer Services at Northern Michigan Regional Health Services
The NMRH Auxiliary and Volunteer Services have supported the Northern Chaplain Services for 25+ years with financial support and services. The Chaplaincy has blossomed into an integral component of the inter-disciplinary team of healthcare professionals who provide care for our patients, their families and our NMRH colleagues. In time of crisis or joy, this 24/7 Chaplaincy team is always available to minister to those of all faiths and beliefs in a compassionate and sincere manner.
Sue Keiser, Clinical Medical Education Specialist at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital
“I recommend Northern Chaplain Services as a JCAHO compliant and professional ministry service that provides spiritual care for patients, families, and staff as a member of the multidisciplinary collaborative health care team at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital in Petoskey Michigan.”
Tina Bishaw, MSW, Social Worker, at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital
“The Chaplaincy is a highly valued part of Northern Michigan Regional Hospital, for patients, families, and Hospital Colleagues. Social workers often look to them to give patients and families an additional level of support, encouragement, and reassurance that is very unique to the care that they provide and has proven to make all the difference in patients’ and families’ lives during their recovery and healing process here at the Hospitall”
“Murph” RN, Emergency Room Team Leader at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital
“In the Emergency Room, we often utilize the Chaplains because they are extremely valuable to the patients, their families, and especially the Colleagues.”
Daphne Weston, RN, House Supervisor at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital
“There is one word that best describes the NCS Chaplains – Awesome!”
