Working Life: My job requires an ability to listen and explore difficult emotions

Fr John Kelly, director of pastoral care, Tallaght University Hospital

Fr John Kelly, director of pastoral care, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin. 

7.30am

When the barrier to the hospital car park lifts, my day begins. From now until the barrier lifts again, I will step in and out of the lives of patients, staff, and visitors to Tallaght University Hospital. As healthcare chaplain, I deal with the whole gamut of human experience: Birth, health, sickness, dying and death.

My first call is to check in on my night-shift colleague. This may involve a conversation or debrief, or a list of urgent calls to visit patients whose health deteriorated overnight and who are requesting particular sacraments or rites.

8.30am

Handover starts with resident and student healthcare chaplains. The night chaplain delivers a report, and the day team establishes follow-ups and priorities. The handover concludes with reflection or prayer. I set about my work, but as pastoral care is demand-led, I never know where my time will be spent. The day requires an ability to listen and to explore difficult emotions: Fear, disappointment, and sadness. And the need to sit with difficult questions.

10.30am

The team gathers for coffee in the canteen.

11am

There’s a bleep to the emergency department for a work-related accident that leads to death. I spend time with the distraught family. The trauma for all involved is clear. I listen to the sadness the staff feel for the family.

1.30pm

I celebrate Mass in the hospital chapel. Along with patients and staff, the women’s health department team gathers, as they’ve experienced many deaths among family members during the year. They offer each other support and sympathy.

2pm

I receive a phonecall from a staff member following a family bereavement. This leads to a Zoom call between family abroad and friends in Tallaght. A remembrance service takes place.

4pm

I take the new adaptation nurses for an induction to the pastoral care service and a reflective session at the end of their first day. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet new staff from Africa, India, and the Philippines. They share hopes and fears as they begin a new nursing career in Ireland.

5pm

Time for pre-operation calls and visits to families in vigil with their loved ones at end-of-life care, with beautiful sharing of stories and moments of prayer.

7pm

After handover, the barrier lifts again as I head off for a swim and then home to process the day.