Page 12 - BSWH Office of Mission Ministry Annual Report

and quality of life preferences in the face of serious illnesses. These conversations are often challenging for patients and physicians. OMM staff have assisted during practice sessions with medical staff members at multiple BSWH facilities.
Chaplain Nestor Bunda from Baylor Scott & White Institution for Rehabilitation (BSWIR) facilitates a three-hour empathy course for all staff at BSWIR, and is now required training for new hires. The purpose is to improve empathy, which can be a key driver of employee engagement, retention and productivity. Engaged employees positively impact patient experience, thereby increasing both employee and patient satisfaction.
“The training renews interest and the importance of maintaining empathy and listening at all times to my patients.”
— Chaplain Nestor Bunda, BSWIR
CMMO Mark Grace, director of Pastoral Care Mike Mullender, and Faith Community Health coordinator Carlos Valencia attended the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission’s annual Micah 6:8 Conference. Mullender and Valencia participated in workshops focused on local churches’ ministries addressing community needs, including innovative health ministries. BSWH was recognized as a sponsor and thanked for its partnership in addressing the health and spiritual needs of the communities.
Mentoring the Next Generation
Chaplains at BUMC are participating in Step Forward, an innovative new program designed to help under-resourced young adults in West Dallas find a foothold in a career with a future while addressing the significant need for qualified middle-skill employees in the healthcare industry. Chaplains serve as mentors, listening and encouraging new participants in the program.
In summer 2018, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center — Grapevine Pastoral Care and The King’s University (TKU) in Southlake launched a new pilot program offering chaplaincy practicums for
“This annual event goes way beyond serving as just another continuing education event. It is an important incubator of innovative partnerships to get healing work done for the people through one of the most important avenues of community care available to healthcare institutions: the local church.”
— CMMO Mark Grace