When your work is a privilege

An unexpected and amazing part of my residency experience has been coordinating a research project for Mayo Clinic. The topic is the patient experience of Native American patients who smudged during a hospitalization in Rochester. Though other health care systems also provide this important and culturally safe spiritual care intervention, no one has studied its effects yet. A group of four chaplain residents, their supervisor, a Native American Patient Experience Ambassador, and a PhD researcher decided to conduct a qualitative study leading to illuminating results. As I prepare posters and other materials for three conventions, I am humbled that I’ve been allowed to do this work. The efforts of chaplaincy are always a privilege, and this research is especially significant.

The greatest privilege one can experience is to truly be of service. Direct personal benefit is unnecessary. In fact, it is more fulfilling to not directly benefit from efforts on projects sometimes. This research project was undertaken with the sincere belief of the team that the voices of some of the most vulnerable patients we serve through spiritual care must be lifted, their needs acknowledged. Our hope is that other health care systems will learn about this ancient practice and offer it in their clinical settings to Indigenous patients. The participants who agreed to speak with us may very well help Native American patients they will never meet through their participation in this study. Right intention and right action do not usually lead to the kind of status and malingering interests that capitalists seek, but they create the kind of manna from heaven, spiritual food, that feeds the soul. The good created in selfless acts is infinite.

As I come to the last part of my residency, and look in earnest for a chaplaincy job, I am amazed by the journey. I’ve made sacrifices. I left a marriage and my birthplace to find healing, wisdom, and compassion. Service is a privilege, caring for others is a privilege, and studying the impact of culturally appropriate care is a privilege. A servant’s road is blessed.

A question for self-reflection: what work do you do that makes you feel privileged to do it? For those in health care jobs and the nonprofit sector, it may be easier to answer this question. For those who volunteer their time to those in need and for causes that benefit humanity and Mother Nature, it’s easy to answer the question. For those raising a young family or caring for a sick or disabled family member or friend, the answer should be clear. Those who serve others or a beneficent cause- their work is a privilege.