Spiritual Care at Rochester General Hospital

Rochester General Hospital employs a team of professional staff chaplains, as well as a nationally accredited Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program. As Spiritual Care providers in a clinical setting, our chaplains help advocate a holistic concept of health. Modern medical care recognizes the integration of a person’s spiritual, emotional and physical well-being. These elements are interdependent dimensions both in health and in illness. We proudly provide our services not only to our patients and visitors but also to our staff.

In addition to assisting patients and their families, a unique focus of Spiritual Care at Rochester General is supporting our staff. We provide support through crisis debriefing, regular mindfulness sessions held on clinical units, education and individual support. We are proactive in supporting our colleagues by improving the quality of Rochester General work culture and helping to avoid caregiver burnout. 

Common areas where our chaplains provide assistance are:

• During times of crisis
• Facing life changes and challenges
• Experiencing grief and loss
• Providing spiritual counsel and guidance
• Discerning goals of care

Our Spiritual Care services are non-denominational and interfaith. Our chaplains serve and advocate for all patients regardless of creed, beliefs, religious affiliation or faith. We strive to assist patients in identifying and utilizing their resources to deal with illness and hospitalization. These resources include personal, family, social, community and faith practice resources.

Chaplains at RGH abide by the Common Code of Ethics for Chaplains, Pastoral Counselors, Pastoral Educators, and Students.

Chaplains are available in the hospital Monday through Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Chaplains are available on call for urgent needs 24/7. Please call the operator at (585) 922-4000 to reach a chaplain. Confidentiality is strictly maintained.

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Rochester General Hospital is proud to be nationally accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE).  Our Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program was accredited in November 2019.

Learn More about the Clinical Pastoral Education Program