Selected findings from the "New York" and the "metropolitan" chaplaincy studies: a 10-year comparison of chaplaincy in the New York City area.

In recent years, the chaplain-to-patient ratio in U.S. hospitals has remained roughly the same while the role of the hospital chaplain has expanded.

A national survey of hospital directors' views about the importance of various chaplain roles: differences among disciplines and types of hospitals.

A national random sample of hospital directors was asked to rate the importance of seven categories of chaplain roles and functions: 246 nursing directors, 267 social services directors, 307 medical directors, and 611 pastoral care directors. All four groups rated end-of-life care, prayer, and emotional support as being between very important and extremely important. Other roles, including consultation, advocacy, community outreach, and religious services and rituals were rated significantly less important.

A study of religion, ministry, and meaning in caregiving among health professionals in an institutional setting in New York City.

The clinical staff of a large metropolitan nursing home was surveyed about their religious practices, the degree to which they saw their work as a ministry, and the meaning they obtain from being caregivers. Age, race, gender, education, and various other measures were also taken. As hypothesized, religiosity made a significant positive contribution to participants' belief their work was a ministry to those in need.