Providence believes in caring for the whole person, mind, body and spirit. Most people know that we offer mental and physical wellness benefits but may be surprised to learn that we also offer a host of resources to support the emotional and spiritual well-being of our caregivers. This reinforces our commitment to honoring the religious and faith traditions of all—including those who do not identify with any religion or spiritual practice. We spoke with one of our Chaplains about his role in walking with caregivers where they are, emotionally and spiritually.

Chaplains support caregivers and their families

Providence Chaplains provide emotional and spiritual support to all caregivers and their loved ones, wherever they are on their spiritual journey. One such example is Chaplain Josué, who for 25 years has been a steady presence at Providence Medford Medical Center. He isn’t just there to offer kind words or fleeting comfort. He “walks with caregivers and patients where they are,” meeting them in their pain, joy, uncertainty or hope. At Providence, the Chaplain role is vital to the fabric of our organization, helping us ensure that as our caregivers serve our community, we are also serving our caregivers.

Josué’s path to Providence is unique. “I was on vacation,” he recalls, laughing. “I just wanted to talk shop with other Chaplains, and the next thing I know, I’m in the CFO’s office. They ask, ‘What can we do to get you here?’ I thought, ‘Sure, this would be fun.’ Twenty-five years later, it’s still fun.”

For two and a half decades, Josué has witnessed the rhythms of life within the hospital—from the quiet moments of care in the ICU to the fast-paced urgency of the ER. He tends to patients but also spends much of his time ensuring his colleagues have a safe space to process their emotions. He recalls one night when nurses and a CNA came to him in tears after encountering personal struggles. “We cried, we laughed, we prayed. That’s what my role is about—a lot of caring, a lot of loving.”

A culture that walks the talk

At Providence, our strength lies in a deep commitment to excellence and a culture entrenched in our Mission to serve all in our communities, especially the poor and vulnerable. Josué describes it simply. “We don’t just talk the Mission. We walk the Mission.”

Every morning begins with a reflection—an intentional pause to ground the day’s work in the hospital’s Mission “to love like Jesus loves and walk with people.” According to Josué, it’s a reminder that everyone—patients, caregivers, leaders—is at some point broken, vulnerable and in need of support. “Our role is to serve and care.”

Josué firmly believes that any caregiver who applies at Providence, regardless of their faith or spiritual journey, will feel welcomed. “I’ve never met anyone who said, ‘I don’t feel loved.’”

The hospital’s leadership further reinforces this culture of support. “They understand that if the staff isn’t cared for, the patient isn’t cared for,” Josué explains. Whether it’s celebrating life milestones like births and adoptions or helping employees through losses and challenges, the team ensures no one walks alone.

For Josué, a fulfilling day at work doesn’t require grand gestures or ceremonial accolades. It’s the small, meaningful moments that matter most. “When I visit someone and they say, ‘I was just about to call you, how did you know?’—those moments tell me I’m in the right place.”

Virtual spiritual resources

Besides interacting with Chaplains in person, caregivers of all faiths and spiritual practices, as well as their families, can connect with Chaplains via TeleSpiritual Health to address topics such as:

• Spiritual or religious issues
• Death and grief
• Emotional and spiritual well-being
• Mindfulness and prayer resources
• Reconnecting/connecting to a community of support

Join us in caring for those who need us. If our Mission resonates with you, regardless of your faith or spiritual practice, we hope you’ll consider applying to join our team.