When it comes to hiring healthcare chaplains, hiring managers look for flexibility. Through my interviews with 16 healthcare chaplaincy hiring managers, this theme was mentioned often, reflecting the dynamic nature of the healthcare environment. As chaplains work across diverse clinical settings and care for patients, families, and staff facing various crises, flexibility is a desirable trait and a crucial component of effective spiritual care.
Why Flexibility Matters
Healthcare settings are fast-paced, unpredictable, and constantly evolving. Several hiring managers expressed how they expected chaplains to adapt quickly to shifting needs and contexts. One hiring manager noted, "Everything is changing all the time, yes. The ability to adapt and to be flexible is a must." This speaks to the reality that healthcare chaplains must respond to planned and unplanned moments with ease and composure.
While some chaplains work alone, many work with other chaplain colleagues in a Spiritual Care department. Managers look for chaplains who can work well with others on the team. As one manager highlighted, “We’re a fairly large team, and being able to flex with your teammates is vital to make sure the needs of patients and families are covered.” The ability to be flexible, collaborate within the Spiritual Care department, and be a good team player ensures that the Spiritual Care department can provide high-quality care consistently, which helps build and maintain a good reputation for the department.
Responding to Uncertainty
Another critical aspect of flexibility is navigating the unknown. Chaplains often encounter situations where protocols may not be fully clear, or they are asked to minister in ways that seem unconventional. One hiring manager described this ability to adapt: “Even though it seems a little odd, can you comfortably say, ‘I’ll do my best in this new situation, even if I don’t have all the information?’”
The willingness to embrace these uncertainties reflects a deeper sense of humility and trust in caregiving. It means that a chaplain must be prepared to adjust to the needs of patients, the evolving expectations of the healthcare team, and the broader organizational culture. One chaplaincy manager noted how important it is for chaplains to have a flexible attitude by stating, "[I want chaplains who will say] I didn’t know how this was done, but I’m going to learn it and make the best of it."
Flexibility and Continuous Learning
Being flexible also means a willingness to learn and grow in the role. Managers spoke to the importance of ongoing learning as a component of flexibility. One said, “A chaplain’s ability to flex should not only be about shifting schedules but also about expanding their knowledge and adapting their skill sets as healthcare practices evolve.” This type of professional adaptability fosters long-term resilience and prevents burnout, allowing chaplains to stay relevant in a fast-changing healthcare landscape.
Fostering a Culture of Flexibility
Ultimately, flexibility fosters a collaborative and supportive culture in spiritual care departments. Chaplains who can adapt to changes and support their colleagues create an environment where everyone can thrive. One manager summed this up well: "Flexibility isn't just about being able to cover shifts; it's about having the right attitude towards team dynamics, institutional changes, and the daily unpredictabilities of healthcare."
As healthcare continues to evolve, the importance of flexibility in chaplaincy cannot be overstated. Whether it's adjusting to new medical technologies, navigating organizational changes, or simply offering comfort in a crisis, being flexible ensures that chaplains remain effective, compassionate, and deeply attuned to the needs of those they serve.
How to Increase Flexibility as a Healthcare Chaplain
Improving flexibility as a healthcare chaplain requires a combination of self-awareness, skill-building, and cultivating an open mindset. Here are some practical strategies chaplains can adopt to enhance their flexibility in healthcare settings:
Embrace Continuous Learning
Healthcare is constantly evolving, and chaplains need to stay informed about new developments in medical treatments, organizational policies, and spiritual care practices. Chaplains can enhance their flexibility by:
Attending workshops, seminars, or conferences on healthcare trends and chaplaincy.
Pursuing additional certifications or courses in areas like grief counseling, trauma care, or ethics in healthcare.
Actively engaging in professional development and seeking mentorship within chaplaincy and healthcare.
Foster Adaptability in Work Style
Flexibility often means adjusting to unpredictable schedules, work environments, and team dynamics. Chaplains can improve this by:
Learning to organize and prioritize tasks efficiently, even when circumstances change.
Being open to covering for colleagues or taking on additional responsibilities when needed.
Building resilience through stress-management techniques such as journaling, prayer, meditation, or seeking peer support when workloads become demanding.
Cultivate Open-mindedness
Flexibility in chaplaincy involves being willing to work across different faiths, cultural contexts, and medical disciplines. Chaplains can foster an open-minded approach by:
Engaging in interfaith dialogues and educating themselves about different religious traditions and spiritual practices.
Working on cultural competence by learning about the backgrounds of the populations they serve and recognizing the diverse spiritual needs that arise.
Keeping an open attitude toward unconventional situations or requests, even if they fall outside the typical scope of spiritual care.
Strengthen Collaboration Skills
Working well with interdisciplinary healthcare teams is a core component of flexibility. Chaplains should focus on:
Actively participating in team meetings and discussions, offering insights while also being receptive to others’ ideas.
Being willing to step in and collaborate with nurses, doctors, social workers, and other professionals in moments of crisis.
Developing strong communication skills to ensure that spiritual care complements the medical and emotional needs being addressed by the broader team.
Practice Patience and Adaptation to Change
Healthcare environments often bring about sudden changes in patient conditions, shifts in policies, or new challenges. To improve flexibility in such settings, chaplains can:
Practice patience and composure when plans shift unexpectedly.
Learn to pivot quickly by staying calm and re-prioritizing in response to new demands or emergencies.
Reflect on past experiences where flexibility was required and use those moments to improve how they manage future unexpected situations.
Seek Feedback and Self-Reflection
Flexibility is an evolving trait that can improve over time. Chaplains should regularly engage in self-reflection and seek feedback from colleagues and supervisors to identify areas where they can be more adaptable. Some steps include:
Asking for feedback from the healthcare team on how well they respond to changes or stressors.
Keeping a reflective journal to track moments where flexibility was tested, and learning from those experiences.
Engaging in peer supervision groups to discuss and learn from the challenges that others face in similar roles.
Maintain Personal Well-being
Chaplains who practice good self-care are better equipped to handle the stresses and unpredictabilities of their role. Flexibility improves when chaplains feel mentally, physically, and spiritually well-balanced. To maintain this balance, chaplains should:
Prioritize time for self-care activities such as exercise, hobbies, or spiritual practices.
Set boundaries to avoid burnout and ensure they can continue to offer quality care.
Seek spiritual direction, counseling, or support from their faith community when feeling overwhelmed.
By embracing these strategies, healthcare chaplains can strengthen their ability to adapt to the ever-changing and unpredictable nature of healthcare environments. Developing flexibility enhances not only their professional effectiveness but also their personal resilience, making them better equipped to provide compassionate care in all situations.
