The Chaplain in the Pediatric ER: A Nurse and Mom's Perspective

The day after a holiday, our medically complex son, who was acutely ill, needed care at the local children's hospital. Once in the emergency room (ER), he was triaged to a trauma room. Without our knowledge or consent, a chaplain entered the crowded and chaotic room. Although pleasant, the chaplain was not a person who comforted us. Her presence (1) increased our anxiety to panic level, (2) took our attention away from our acutely ill son to worst-case scenarios, (3) made us extremely uncomfortable, and (4) was counterproductive. We strongly feel that the patient/family should be asked if they want a chaplain or other spiritual/support person to enter the room.