Press Release

Burgess Hospice Chaplain Receives State Honor

Jocquelyn Girdner, hospice chaplain for Burgess Hospice of Onawa, was recently honored at the annual Iowa Hospice Organization convention in Ames for her volunteer work caring for patients and families.
Girdner actually retired from Burgess three years ago, where she worked as a respiratory therapist for 24 years. Committed to caring for others, she became an ordained minister and then joined Burgess Home Health/Hospice as a volunteer in 2003.

If persons facing end-of-life choose to visit with a chaplain, Girdner steps in.

My goal is to help the family as well as the person feel the love of God,” says Girdner. "In doing so I discover that each person is unique and wonderful.”

The Burgess Hospice chaplain wears a stethoscope and can use her respiratory therapy skills and background with select patients, says Sherri Johnston, director of Burgess’ Home Health/Hospice. Girdner also will create power point memorials and special prayer cards for families following the loss of a loved one.

“She really has a nice way with people and she is very compassionate,” says Johnston.

When persons are faced with an end-of-life disease, “a vulnerability develops that opens up hearts and minds,” says Girdner. “Some people want to be baptized and they all pray with me and sing.”

Sing?

“I’m not a singer, but I sing,” she says. “Music can touch hearts. I see a lot of people in their 80s and most of them are very familiar with certain hymns.”

Her relationship with God pulled her through her own deep grief years ago.

“We lost a son at age 20, so I truly understand loss of a loved one,” she says. “He was skiing in Colorado where he worked and was thrown by ice into a tree. So I know first-hand how God can comfort people with tremendous loss.”

Girdner believes that Second Corinthians: Chapter Nine, Verse 8 in scripture describes her situation: “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” To the Burgess chaplain it means “that God abundantly gives grace as needed to enable me to not only do but be present at a time of great need.”

“Jocquelyn has been a wonderful addition to our hospice program,” points out Johnston, “She is always available to meet with families and patients, often at a moment’s notice to offer comfort, helpful prayers and insights for their current situation. She also supports us. We meet every two weeks and she is there to give us insight on what she sees with patients and help us deal with emotional issues.

“She really has made a difference with people’s lives,” adds Johnston. “She’s just wonderful, very caring.”
Persons interested in Girdner’s services should call Burgess Hospice at 423-9265.