Working as a Chaplain at Bristol Hospice
Chaplains play a vital role in hospice care by offering spiritual support, presence, and compassionate listening to patients and families of all beliefs. At Bristol Hospice, Chaplains are trusted members of the interdisciplinary team who help patients and families find comfort, meaning, and peace during a deeply personal time.
This page is for Chaplains who want to understand what it is really like to work in hospice and how spiritual care supports patients, families, and the care team.
Chaplain Roles in Hospice Care
Hospice Chaplains focus on spiritual, emotional, and existential support. Responsibilities may vary by patient needs and beliefs, but always center on honoring individual values, traditions, and sources of meaning.
- Spiritual and Emotional Support providing presence, listening, and guidance aligned with patient beliefs
- Rituals and Practices supporting prayers, blessings, life review, and meaningful traditions when requested
- Family and Team Support offering guidance and presence for families and collaboration with the care team
What Working as a Chaplain Feels Like
Chaplains often describe hospice work as deeply reflective and relational. You are invited into meaningful conversations, quiet moments, and sacred spaces with patients and families.
Chaplains work closely with Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, CNAs, social workers, physicians, and liaisons as part of an interdisciplinary team built on trust and respect.
Day to Day Responsibilities
Day to day responsibilities may include patient and family visits, spiritual assessments, documentation, participation in care planning meetings, and support during times of transition or loss.
Chaplains help ensure spiritual needs are honored alongside physical and emotional care.
Schedule, Coverage, and Work Life Balance
Schedules vary by location and team needs. Many Chaplain roles follow structured schedules with flexibility to respond to patient and family needs as they arise.
This approach supports meaningful presence while helping maintain balance and sustainability.
Team Culture and Support
Chaplains are respected contributors to the care team. Leadership values spiritual care, interdisciplinary collaboration is encouraged, and Chaplains are supported in their role.
This environment allows Chaplains to focus on presence and support without unnecessary barriers.
Explore Chaplain Openings
If you are a Chaplain seeking a role where spiritual care is valued and your presence makes a difference, we invite you to explore current opportunities.
View Chaplain Jobs
Bristol Hospice and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers.