Final Steps

Today is my final day of CPE at Unity Hospital. I have really enjoyed and appreciated my experience here. It has been challenging, fun and a great learning environment. Major thanks go to Jim Tonneson, my CPE supervisor and to Jerry Freist, the site supervisor.

There is a certain amount of mixed feelings with this departure (which, as I write this, is 3 hours and 15 minutes away). I have enjoyed the critical care cases, the members of my group, the supervisors, the hospital staff... I have felt like I have become a part of the place and have invested a small part of myself into it.

I will be happy to not have to drive, to not be doing 1 full-time position (at Lord of Life) and 1 part gime gig at the hospital, to not be running out of the house at all hours of the night, to not have to write verbatims...

CPE has been good because it has exposed me to a whole new form of ministry. It has taught me a lot about dealing with people in crisis. It has given me confidence in my "pastoral identity." I am really grateful for the opportunity.