At Daviess Community Hospital in Washington, Indiana, our chaplains provide compassionate, confidential support to patients, families, and staff of all faiths and beliefs—including those who don’t identify with a faith tradition. Chaplains are available 24/7 and rotate on-call coverage in seven-day blocks to ensure continuous care when you need it most.
To keep visits respectful, patient-centered, and efficient, chaplains:
You’re always in control. A chaplain will only pray, read, or contact your faith community with your permission.
We respect every patient’s values and spiritual or non-spiritual perspective. Chaplains never impose beliefs, avoid medical duties that belong to clinical staff, and keep conversations private within hospital policy. If you prefer not to receive a chaplain visit, simply let your nurse know.
Our volunteer chaplains are ordained by their church or hold an equivalent ecclesiastical endorsement. They’re trained in hospital pastoral care best practices—including active listening, presence, and appropriate boundaries—to provide meaningful support throughout your stay.
Chaplains at DCH include:
If you’re ordained or hold an ecclesiastical endorsement and feel called to serve, we’d love to talk. Email hrstaff@dchosp.org to learn about requirements, orientation, and the seven-day on-call rotation.
Do I have to be religious to see a chaplain?
No. Chaplains support people of every faith as well as those who are spiritual
but not religious—or not religious at all.
Can my own pastor, priest, rabbi, or faith leader visit?
Yes. Your faith leader is welcome. We can also contact them for you if
you’d like.
When is a good time to ask for a chaplain?
Anytime—before procedures, after difficult news, during treatment
decisions, when grieving, or simply when you want someone to listen and
be present.
How do inpatients request a chaplain?
If you are admitted to Daviess Community Hospital, simply tell your nurse
you’d like a chaplain visit. Chaplains provide 24/7 coverage and
will visit when available.