Columbine Health is dedicated to providing holistic care that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our residents. As part of this commitment, we are excited to introduce the Columbine Health Systems Clinical Pastoral Education (CHSCPE) program, an accredited initiative that enhances spiritual care across our communities.
Leading this innovative program are two highly experienced professionals: Peter Strening and Rebecca McFee. Peter serves as the Chaplain and Director of CHSCPE, bringing years of experience as a hospital chaplain and chaplain educator. His passion lies in building meaningful relationships with residents while mentoring chaplain interns in offering compassionate spiritual care. Rebecca McFee, the Director of Chaplaincy at Columbine Health, has served our communities for over a decade. With her extensive background in church ministry and healthcare and board certification as a chaplain, Rebecca complements Peter's leadership by offering valuable expertise and guidance. Together, they ensure that the CHSCPE program not only enriches the lives of our residents but also provides exceptional training for aspiring chaplains.
The CHSCPE program offers chaplain interns hands-on experience in delivering spiritual care to residents, allowing them to develop their pastoral identity under Peter and Rebecca's guidance. Through one-on-one interactions and group settings, interns provide personal spiritual care, offering residents support, comfort, and the chance to share their life stories. This exchange not only benefits our residents but also helps interns learn from the residents' wisdom and experiences.
Spiritual care is particularly important as residents face the challenges and transitions that come with aging. It offers comfort, strength, and a sense of meaning, helping them connect with their beliefs, practices, and life purpose. Our chaplains are trained to provide grief counseling, support with end-of-life decision-making, faith conversations, and prayer. This helps residents feel less isolated and more connected, fostering an environment of hope and gratitude.
More than just an educational opportunity, CHSCPE is a pathway for developing compassion and caregiving skills. It prepares chaplains to walk alongside residents, families, and staff from diverse spiritual backgrounds. Rebecca emphasizes that chaplains offer essential hope and companionship to individuals facing health challenges, making the CHSCPE program a vital part of our community's well-being.
We aim to have CHSCPE chaplain interns serve all four skilled nursing and three assisted living communities within Columbine Health, ensuring that spiritual care is accessible to everyone who needs it. As Rebecca notes, there is a growing need for trained chaplains in Northern Colorado, and our program offers invaluable training without the need for long-distance travel. With Peter’s leadership and the supportive environment at Columbine Health, the CHSCPE program stands out as an exceptional training experience.
Columbine Health believes that spiritual care is essential for enriching residents' lives. Through the CHSCPE program, we are not only providing this vital service but also training the next generation of compassionate caregivers.
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