A typical day in CPE is a day of administration, self-reflection, peer consultation, theological reflection, didactics on various topics and patient visitation. Our trainees are assigned to a parish (clinical area) and meet regularly with a CPE supervisor and professional chaplain regarding ministry. Pastoral ministry includes on-call, during which trainees are responsible for every death, code, consult, advance directives, etc.
Clinical Experience
Our trainees experience firsthand a variety of ministry situations. Service specialties offer occasions to minister in areas such as cardiology, oncology, transplantation, emergency/trauma, pediatrics, rehabilitation, geriatrics, outpatient services and chronic illnesses. During assignment to a specific area, our trainees are the primary chaplain on that floor.
Individual and Group Supervision
Trainees present weekly verbatim reports of interactions with patients to your CPE supervisor and peer group. These opportunities for feedback help you assess your strengths and limitations in pastoral care.
Didactic Seminars
Formally structured seminars on a variety of ministry-related subjects are presented by professional chaplains, clinical health care professionals and CPE supervisors. Each seminar provides helpful theoretical and theological foundations for pastoral care development.
Interpersonal Relations Seminar (IPR)
Sharing personal experiences in a small-group setting teaches group process and leadership skills. Trainees learn both from insights gained from peers about pastoral effectiveness and from situations other colleagues encounter and share with the group.