Description
Interested students from Walla Walla University are invited to apply to a Student Chaplaincy Internship program at Walla Walla General Hospital to gain an introductory experience in clinical hospital ministry. The applicant is asked to include a resume, a one-page autobiography and one-page essay responding to the statement: "I am drawn to the ministry of chaplaincy because . . ." One or two top applicants will be selected to work as student chaplains beginning the fall term and continuing throughout the school year.

Students will have the opportunity to shadow the chaplain and relief chaplains on staff in order to gain experience and to orient themselves to the clinical ministry of chaplaincy. Time will be allowed to debrief situations and to discuss processes typical of chaplaincy training and ministry including but not limited to: hospital etiquette, bedside manner, when or when not to pray, the basics of crisis intervention, on-call practices, grief processes, cultural and religious diversity, confidentiality and HIPPA compliance, understanding the hospital as one's parish. Some action-reflection exercises may be expected in order to enhance the learning experience, i.e. a minimum of one verbatim and one theological reflection.

Click here to print Student Chaplaincy Internship application

Learning Experience
The Pastoral Care Director will assist the student in developing three pastoral care learning goals for each school term. These will be evaluated at a mid-term and final evaluation for the purpose of dialog and assessing growth.

When the Pastoral Care Director is satisfied the student has a basic understanding of the hospital routine, visitation and crisis intervention protocols, the student will be encouraged to venture into more independent work throughout the hospital; supervision and debriefing will continue.

Requirements

• Complete the attached application including the requested supporting documents.
• On-site interview with the Director of Pastoral Care at WWGH.
• Complete the basic hospital orientation including having a clear TB skin test and background check (required by law before beginning work in the hospital).