Abstract

Pastoral care ministers and social workers are involved in providing care and assistance to people facing life changes and crises. One of the most challenging aspects of their work is dealing with people who are dying and those who care for them. This study examined this experience through interviews with experienced professionals that focused on their experience and the preparation they thought necessary for newcomers to the field. The study found that even those working in community settings spent considerable time on problems that were directly or indirectly related to end of life care. It also confirmed that experienced professionals believed that more and different educational experiences would have better prepared them for providing end-of-life care. This was especially true for those working in community settings. While attention has been paid to the educational needs of doctors and nurses in this field, pastoral care workers and social workers have been neglected. ;The interviews led to the development of a model of basic skills and knowledge needed for this work. The model is presented here. Suggestions for future education and training include increasing the amount of time for internships and the inclusion of experience working or observing in health care settings and formal courses related to medical and ethical issues and ethical decision making be required prior to obtaining the degree or credential in the chosen profession