| Abstract | The goal of this D.Min. project is to nurture the ability of patient caregivers at Baylor University Medical Center (BUMC) in Dallas to provide emotional and spiritual care to patients, families and co-workers. A multidisciplinary Spiritual Companionship Project Committee led by the D.Min. student researched best practices in spiritual and emotional care among health care providers and selected the Sacred Vocation Program, developed by Rabbi Samuel Karff at The University of Texas Medical School in Houston, as the vehicle to accomplish the project's goal. From September 2005 through May 2006 more than 220 patient care technicians, who provide more direct patient care than any other health care professional at Baylor, were trained through the Sacred Vocation program to see themselves as healers providing spiritual companionship, and to understand their work as a sacred vocation. Increased patient satisfaction with spiritual care and tech job satisfaction following the Sacred Vocation program demonstrate the project's positive results and goal attainment. |
