Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital Clinical Pastoral Education program
Institutional context
Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital is a 300+ bed community hospital delivering tertiary level care in Downers Grove, Illinois; about twenty miles west of Chicago's loop.
Advocate Good Samaritan is an Illinois Level 1 Trauma Center and Level III Neonatal Care Center. There are over 900 physicians with admitting privileges, which means that virtually all medical/surgical specialties are represented in the patient areas. Additionally, there is a mental health center with inpatient and outpatient services for adults and seniors.
The place of religious faith in the healing process and as a means of support and comfort for the sick and dying has been accorded significant importance in the life and service of this hospital. Staff Chaplains are Board Certified and integrated into all aspects of hospital life, including executive management. A robust Clinical Pastoral Education program is supported financially and practically.
So in coming to Advocate Good Samaritan, you come to a health care facility
Where the religious beliefs and practices of patients and families are respected
Where you will be welcomed and expected to minister alongside the permanent Mission and Spiritual Care staff to patients, families and staff
Where the uniqueness of your faith tradition will be valued; and
Where we look forward to your personal contribution to our life and work with us
Our patients deserve compassionate and effective pastoral care. We are dedicated to providing excellence in pastoral care to patients, families, staff and our community. Our employees will also receive pastoral care from you. Welcome to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, Clinical Pastoral Education and ministry to the community.
Description of pastoral care department
The Department of Mission and Spiritual Care consists of the Vice-President, the Coordinator of CPE programs, six full and part-time staff chaplains, a coordinator for Roman Catholic Ministries, a Supervisory Education Student, CPE students, and an administrative assistant. Chaplaincy and pastoral education have been valued highly at Advocate Good Samaritan for more than 25 years. Chaplains are an integral part of the interdisciplinary team and work on many hospital committees. Chaplains play a significant role in raising awareness of holistic patient care, ethical issues and community wellness. The Vice President of Mission and Spiritual Care is an integral part of the Executive team and thus has input into policy making and planning in keeping with Advocate Health Care's mission as a faith-based values-driven health care delivery system.
Unique educational elements
Each year between September and June there are one or two part-time Extended Units. The extended program is scheduled to accommodate the needs of the participants. A full-time 11-week unit begins in June. Students complete a full week orientation and then join the permanent staff in providing pastoral care to patients, families and staff. All students have opportunities to lead worship services on Sundays in our chapel and in one of the adult psychiatric units. Students participate in week night and weekend on-call coverage. They have ample opportunity to work closely with staff in all areas of the hospital.
Pertinent information for applicants
A non-refundable deposit, applicable to fees, is required to hold a place in any program when the applicant is offered a position.
Students may not begin a program until they have complied with the mandated pre-employment physical exam, drug screening and criminal record background check.
For more information
Yonason Meadows
CPE Manager Midwest Region
Email: yonason.meadows@aah.org