Healthcare in the United States has evolved over the last twenty years, including more holistic models of patient care. Chaplains have been an important profession in the evolution of healthcare delivery. But few people know or understand the years of preparation required to become a professional board-certified chaplain. In his book, Bedside Manners: Best Practices for Effective Healthcare Chaplains, certified clinical educator John L. Thomas Jr. draws on his over thirty years of experience teaching and training ministers in the critical skills necessary to practice spiritual care in the healthcare setting. His insights are presented in ways that are accessible to both the aspirant and novice chaplain practitioner. The book uses several methods to provide insight into the world of healthcare chaplaincy: verbatim examples, personal stories, humor, and scholarly research from multiple resources. Recently retired, Thomas shares his wisdom in ways that will encourage and inspire chaplains to be proud of the ministry they offer to those who serve as both givers and receivers of healing across the myriad healthcare settings.
