Clinical Pastoral Education

McLeod Regional Medical Center Pastoral Services Clinical Pastoral Education Information & Application

2 Welcome to Clinical Pastoral Education at McLeod. Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is theological education for ministry to persons in the midst of crisis. As part of the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc., McLeod shares in a rich heritage of pastoral education and excellent pastoral care. We are excited to let you know more about this opportunity for deepening your ministry and deepening your call. As the flagship hospital of the McLeod Health system, McLeod Regional Medical Center is an excellent place to learn the art of spiritual care. Our hospital is a regional tertiary care center, serving the population of northeastern South Carolina and southeastern North Carolina. The medical center includes an accredited cancer center, dedicated open heart surgery suites, a Heart & Vascular Institute, as well as centers of excellence in heart, cancer, surgery, neurosurgery, trauma, children and women s services. One of five state-designated perinatal centers, McLeod Regional Medical Center also offers the region s only children s hospital. The diverse patient population and opportunity to minister in a variety of settings makes McLeod a great place to learn the art of spiritual care. Individualized Education CPE at McLeod is individualized, with each student s goals in mind. At the beginning of each program unit, students are required to set pastoral, personal, and educational goals for themselves. As such, each student s learning is personalized, and offers an opportunity for each student to gain experience and insight into areas where growth is desired. The CPE program works with seminaries, judicatories, and committees on ministry to help students address identified areas for growth. Program Hours McLeod offers Level I and Level II CPE. The CPE program consists of 400 hours, at least 100 of which are structured group and individual educational activities. Flexible Program Schedule Our program design follows a flexible schedule. In an extended part-time unit, students schedule pastoral care hours at times convenient to them, and meet as a group one afternoon per week. Intensive units are designed to accommodate seminarians and other students who would like to complete a unit of CPE over a summer break, or others who are able to participate in a full-time program. What can I learn? The specific content for a unit can vary according to the needs of students or at the discretion of the faculty, but there are commonalities in all CPE units. CPE assumes students are self-directed, adult learners, but coursework focuses in several key areas: pastoral functioning, self-awareness, interpersonal awareness, conceptual ability, and ministry development and management. These objectives are achieved through the clinical method of learning, where students are active in providing ministry, and then take time to reflect, individually and as a group, on the ministry they provide. Outside of Class Most interns are surprised at how much more work was involved than they realized. The class time specified is only a quarter of the total time required for a unit of CPE. In addition to the class time (which is at least 100 hours), a minimum of 300 clinical hours are required. CPE also requires: Regular reading assignments; Written assignments (including a spiritual autobiography and self-evaluations) Patient visits written up in a detailed verbatim format that demands considerable reflection; Weekly reflections about ministry and learning is a regular requirement. Expect to spend an additional one to three hours a week in personal reflection on ministry and preparation for class.

CPE & Pastoral Services 3 Pastoral care has been an important part of the culture of McLeod Regional Medical Center since its transition from a community hospital to a regional medical center in 1979. The Department of Pastoral Services at McLeod Regional Medical Center cares for a wide range of spiritual needs, providing a sensitive and inclusive ministry in health crises ranging from problem pregnancies and births to end-of-life decisions and death. McLeod Chaplains Through clinical pastoral care, chaplains manifest the spiritual dimension of McLeod's mission and strengthen the relationship between the health system and religious communities at large. McLeod chaplains, in partnership with the rest of the health care team, provide spiritual and religious care for patients, families, caregivers, visitors, and staff throughout the medical center. Our mission statement guides us as we provide the following services for patients, their families, caregivers, and staff: Pastoral care and counseling Spiritual assessment, intervention, comfort, and nurture Facilitation and support of religious practices of all faiths and spiritual paths Religious and spiritual health programming 24-hour on-call chaplain for emergent spiritual care Weekday spiritual care by chaplains assigned to each inpatient area Two chapels for meditation, prayer, and reflection Emotional support Non-judgmental listening Crisis intervention Advocacy for patients and staff Collaboration with all members of the health care team Consultations on end-of-life decisions, and ethical issues Continued development of relationships with community faith leaders and communities who offer spiritual and religious support. Clinical Pastoral Education Students As chaplains and learners, CPE students are welcomed as an important part of the pastoral services team at McLeod. CPE students engage in patient care even as they learn to reflect actively on the manner of care they provide. Patients, families, and staff at McLeod benefit from the care of students, chaplains, and volunteers alike. A Typical Day Since the heart of CPE is ministering and learning from the experience, a day s schedule frequently includes a clinical seminar in which a student presents a pastoral encounter to other students and the supervisor for discussion and feedback. Other typical sessions are: didactic seminars in which discussion follows a lecture; discussion of a book or article; exploration of theological concerns; peer group meetings or interpersonal group sessions for mutual sharing, caring, and support where relationship concerns are explored; and worship or sharing occasions which provide opportunity for spiritual nurture. Field trips, workshops, and clinical observations may be periodically included. Evaluation experiences with the other students and your supervisor are also part of a CPE program and may be scheduled at the end of a unit to sum up the experience, midway to assess your learning objectives, and, at other times, such as with the other care providers in your ministry area. You will discover that a CPE schedule asks for active investment but also provides time for sharing, reflection, preparation, and relaxation. Student Resources The Pastoral Services department provides many useful resources for CPE students completing education in pastoral and spiritual care. Several of these resources are: Access to our pastoral services lending library. Collaboration with chaplains across McLeod Regional Medical Center. Through a collaboration with Pee Dee AHEC, access to educational opportunities for health personnel at a reduced student rate. A complimentary meal and preferred parking when serving as the on-call chaplain. Supervisor assistance in locating counselors, professional development resources, and job opportunities. A well-qualified staff in the medical center, with experts on many topics ranging from grief, medical ethics, to social services, conflict management and administration.

4 Your Future with CPE Preparation for Ministry CPE serves as a part of one's preparation for parish ministry, chaplaincy, lay ministry, teaching, and counseling. A student's learning contract may be focused toward integration of theological, psychological, and pastoral insights into pastoral functioning for parish work. Or the contract may be designed with a career goal of chaplaincy or pastoral counseling. Some students, after completing several units of CPE, choose to enroll in Supervisory CPE working toward certification as a CPE supervisor. In Supervisory CPE the student learns the theory and practice of supervision and has an experience of supervising CPE students under the guidance and with the consultation of a CPE supervisor. CPE develops the capacity for the pastoral and spiritual care of individuals, families, and systems. Many theological schools require one unit of CPE as a part of a theological degree program. Other schools accept a year of CPE as the required intern year of ministry for a theological degree program. Certification Though CPE is a form of education, not certification, it is required as part of the journey towards certification as a professional chaplain or pastoral counselor. The Association of Professional Chaplains, the National Association of Catholic Chaplains, the National Association of Jewish Chaplains and other organizations certify chaplains. The American Association of Pastoral Counselors trains and certifies pastoral counselors. Some CPE is required as a pre-requisite. You should contact these organizations directly about their requirements. Areas of Service Training Recommended or Required Contact Pastoral Care Pastor, Church Staff, Social Services Clinical Pastoral Education (minimum of one unit) Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. (ACPE) or CAPPE Professional Chaplaincy Hospital, hospice, military, or other institutional chaplaincy Clinical Pastoral Education (4 units required for Board certification) ACPE for training and Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) or NACC or NAJC for certification Pastoral Educator (CPE Supervisor) Supervisor of CPE programs in a variety of settings CPE (Level I, Level II and Supervisory) Successful completion of certification process. Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. (ACPE) Pastoral Counselor Counselor on church staff, counseling center or agency CPE (at least 1 unit) PLUS pastoral counseling training program. ACPE for introductory unit and American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC) For pastoral counseling training. Licensed Professional Counselor Varies from state to state, Can often be done in conjunction with pastoral counseling training. AAPC or state credentialing agency.

Programs Offered & Schedules We offer two programs designed to meet the needs of working pastoral professionals or graduate seminary or theological students. Our programs are designed to deepen your pastoral practice in five key areas: (1) pastoral functioning, (2) self-awareness, (3) interpersonal awareness, (4) conceptual ability, and (5) ministry development and management. Extended CPE Intensive CPE 5 Program Description The Extended Unit Program allows students to complete one unit of CPE by attending the program on a part-time basis, typically about 20 hours per week. This program is especially suited for working pastors and others who wish to devote part of their time to learning the art of pastoral care and need flexibility in their schedules. Program Structure Seminars typically meet for one-half day each week, with flexibility in scheduling hours for patient care. Students also participate in the chaplain on-call schedule. Typically Offered Extended units are offered in the Spring and Fall. Minimum Entry Requirements Students should hold at least high school diploma (college and graduate level work recommended). Have a ministry context (i.e., church, hospital, hospice) or be in training for ministries of care, counseling. Successfully complete the application and interview for admission. Successfully complete the background and health check. Requirements 100 educational hours, including orientation, seminars and individual supervision meetings. 300 patient care hours. Program requirements, including written assignments, readings, evaluations, and group leadership responsibilities. Fees & Funding Tuition for extended units is $450, due at the beginning of orientation. Program Description The Intensive Program is appropriate for students in seminary and others who wish to complete a full unit of CPE in 11 weeks. This program is full-time, requiring 40 hours per week of pastoral care and educational responsibilities. Seminars are offered over the course of the week. Intensive units are well-suited for seminarians. Program Structure Seminars are scheduled throughout the week, and students schedule patient care around these hours. Students also participate in the chaplain on-call schedule. Typically Offered Intensive units are offered in the summer. Minimum Entry Requirements Students should hold at least high school diploma (college and graduate level work recommended). Have a ministry context (i.e., church, hospital, hospice) or be in training for ministries of care, counseling. Successfully complete the application and interview for admission. Successfully complete the background and health check. Requirements 100 educational hours, including orientation, seminars and individual supervision meetings. 300 patient care hours. Program requirements, including written assignments, readings, evaluations, and group leadership responsibilities. Fees & Funding Tuition for intensive units is $450, due at the beginning of orientation.

6 How to Apply Our application process is accessible online and through the directions contained in the back of this booklet. Our goal is to get to know you, and help you get to know us. For guidance in completing your application, get in touch with us at (843) 777-2119 or email tpietila@mcleodhealth.org. Our application process consists of two parts. You will need to ll out the application materials and essays as directed on the application, and will be invited to interview with our center s sta. Prerequisites Persons applying to CPE should hold a high school diploma or its equivalent, though a college degree is recommended, and some graduate theological education is preferred. In most cases, persons should have a ministry context to which they will return after the CPE program, or be working towards ordination, certi cation (etc.) in their own faith group. Laypersons active in ministry are also welcomed to apply, as are persons in the healthcare eld who are interested in expanding their skills in spiritual care. Applicants must be willing to learn and re ect on their own practice of ministry, and be willing to work in a multi-cultural multi-faith environment without imposing their own religious views on patients or other group members. General Requirements In addition to the demographic information required on the application, persons are required to submit the following information with your application. More detailed information is found on the application itself. A reasonably full account of your life A description of your spiritual growth and development A description of your work (vocational) history An account of a helping incident in which you were the person who provided the help. Your impressions of Clinical Pastoral Education, including any personal and/or professional learning goals and issues that you have at this time. References After we receive your application, our human resources department will contact you via e-mail requesting ve references. After receiving these references, we will process your application. Interview The interview is a way for us to get to know you better, learn your learning needs and hopes, and nd out something about your style of personal re ection. Your interviewer will discuss with you information from your application, inviting you to engage in a process of personal theological reection. Interviews may also be conducted at other CPE centers and transferred to our center. Application Fee McLeod Health does not require an application fee to be considered for our Clinical Pastoral Education programs. Deadlines While there is no set deadline for our units of CPE, our programs often ll to capacity. We operate on a rolling admissions basis, receiving applications for the next available unit. You are encouraged to apply several months before the unit is scheduled to begin. Health & Background Requirements Any admission decision is pending until you have been approved by McLeod s human resources department, including a health screen, state and federal background check.

7 Get in Touch Contact Us McLeod Regional Medical Center Department of Pastoral Services PO Box 100551 Florence, SC 29502-0551 Phone: 843-777-2119 tpietila@mcleodhealth.org Accredited By: The Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. One West Court Square, Suite 325 Decatur, GA 404.320.1472 acpe@acpe.edu www.acpe.edu Visit Our Website www.mcleodpastoralcare.org

8 www.mcleodpastoralcare.org Teaching the art of caring for persons in need.

Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. Instructions and Application for Clinical Pastoral Education Please respond to each of the following items. Your typed responses on separate pages would be appreciated. 1. Please complete the attached form and mail to the Center or Cluster to which you are applying. Read instructions carefully before submitting. International applicants have additional requirements and deadlines. You may want to make a copy of a blank form before entering any data. 2. A reasonably full account of your life. Include, for example, significant and important persons and events, especially as they have impacted, or continue to impact, your personal growth and development. Describe your family of origin, current family relationships, and important and supportive social relationships. (About five pages) 3. A description of your spiritual growth and development. Include, for example, the faith heritage into which you were born and describe and explain any subsequent, personal conversions, your call to ministry, religious experiences, and significant persons and events that have impacted, or continue to impact, your spiritual growth and development. (About five pages) 4. A description of your work (vocational) history. Include a chronological list of jobs/positions/dates of employment and a brief statement about your current employment and work relationships. 5. An account of a helping incident in which you were the person who provided the help. Include the nature and extent of the request, your assessment of the issue(s), problem(s), situation(s). Describe how you came to be involved and what you did. Give a brief, evaluative commentary on what you did and how you believe you were able to help. If you have had prior and recent CPE, please attach a copy of a recent verbatim as your 'helping incident' and add to the verbatim your own notes on how and what you learned from sharing this verbatim with your supervisor and/or peers. If you have had CPE, but it was more than two years ago, include a recent account of a helping incident, written up in a verbatim format. If possible, include feedback from current pastoral colleagues and/or administrative supervisor. 6. Your impressions of Clinical Pastoral Education. Indicate, for example, what you believe or imagine CPE to be. Indicate if CPE is being required of you. Indicate any learning goals or issues of which you are aware and would like to address in CPE. Finally, indicate how CPE may be able to help you meet needs generated by your ministry or call to ministry. If you have had prior CPE, please indicate the most significant learning experience you had during CPE. State how you have continued to use the clinical method since your previous experience. Indicate strengths and weaknesses that you have as they relate to your ministry and your identity as a professional person. Indicate any personal and/or professional learning goals and issues that you have at this time and how you believe that CPE will help you to attain or address these learning goals and issues 7. You are required to complete an admissions interview with an ACPE supervisor or a person approved by the center to which you are applying. Contact a local CPE Center if you need help in locating an interviewer in your area. 8. CPE at McLeod Health does not require an application fee. 9. If you are an international applicant, you will have to obtain appropriate documentation from U.S. Immigration, which usually implies a visa and a U.S. Social Security Number. Therefore, international applicants should have such documentation approved at least six (6) months prior to the start date of the program for which they are applying. 10. An applicant with prior CPE should attach copies of all previous self and supervisory CPE evaluations. Also, if you have had prior CPE and if you are giving this Center permission to directly access previous CPE evaluations and supervisory personnel, then please sign the corresponding box as well as signing the application form. If permission is given, please submit 2 (two) original copies of this application, each containing your signature, not one original and a copy. The second original will be sent to your previous CPE Center as written authorization of your consent to release information. 11. Retain your own copy of this completed application and bring it with you to any interview for CPE. I hereby give my consent to the ACPE Center to which I am applying to access my CPE evaluations and supervisory personnel about matters pertaining to this current application. Signature: Date: Birth Date Please send your completed application materials to: McLeod Regional Medical Center Department of Pastoral Services PO Box 100551 Florence, SC 29502-0551 Phone: 843-777-2119 Fax: 843-777-2125

Application for Clinical Pastoral Education Print or type responses and mail completed application to the address indicated on the previous page. Applying for: Summer Intensive Unit Extended Unit: Spring Fall Preferred program/site: Earliest date you can begin: Directory Information Name: Mailing address: City: ST: Country & ZIP: Email: HmPh: WkPh: Fax: Cell Phone Permanent address: City: ST: ZIP: Country: Alt Email: Denomination/Faith Group Affiliation: Jurisdiction/District/Diocese/Conference/Assoc: Jurisdictional Authority (name/title): Local Church & Ministry Position: Ordained/Licensed/Appointed: Date: College: Degree/Date: Seminary: Degree/Date: Grad Schl: Degree/Date: Prior CPE Dates: Center Supervisor Academic Reference (Name/Title): Ph: Address: City: ST: ZIP: Email: Denominational Reference (name/title): Ph: Address: City: ST: ZIP: Email: Personal Reference (name/relationship): Ph: Address: City: ST: ZIP: Email: Interviewing Supervisor: Address: Interviewer s Ph: Email: Signature of applicant: Date: McLeod Health is Accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. One West Court Square, Suite 325 Decatur, GA 404.320.1472 acpe@acpe.edu www.acpe.edu Applications should be sent to McLeod Regional Medical Center, Department of Pastoral Services. Address on previous page.