The hospital chaplain’s role goes beyond providing spiritual care, as demonstrated by Reverend Allison “Bubba” Simmons at Iredell Health System. Although Simmons originally aspired to be a doctor, her passion for pastoral care was ignited during her college years. “When I was younger, I thought I wanted to be a doctor,” she shared, recalling her fondness for the TV show ER. A pastoral care and counseling class in seminary eventually clarified her vocation.
The chaplaincy profession integrates Simmons’ interests. “The hospital gives me the clinical side and the staff and patients give me the parish side,” she explained. Unlike traditional ministry, chaplains undergo specialized training in clinical pastoral care, involving spiritual counseling, advance directive planning, and crisis management.
Simmons’ experience at Iredell Health allows her to foster ongoing relationships with patients, a contrast to the large health systems where she completed her residency. “If you’re in a larger organization, most of what you’re doing is crisis management and building relationships with staff,” she explained. Her position at Iredell facilitates consistent patient interactions.
Despite being an ordained minister via the PC (USA) church, Simmons prioritizes her patients’ spiritual journeys over her beliefs. “I work within their spiritual framework because, when they leave the hospital, they’re the ones that have to continue their journey,” she said. She collaborates with other religious groups as needed, stating, “I’m not Catholic, so I would not administer sacraments. I’m not Jewish, so I would rely on my Jewish friends to bring something Kosher for my patients.”
Simmons has diversified the hospital chapel with various religious items to promote inclusivity. She employs Martin Buber’s “I-Thou” method to engage genuinely with patients. “I follow where they lead and follow alongside them,” she elaborated. Her role includes crisis intervention, assisting with communication among patients, their families, and healthcare professionals.
Reflecting on meaningful experiences, Simmons recalled comforting a COVID patient unwilling to be intubated, who awaited his friend. “He was scared. I sat in the room with him on that BIPAP and held his hand and talked to him,” she recounted as a significant interaction.
Acknowledging the challenging nature of death, a recurring aspect of her work, Simmons finds fulfillment in guiding others through these difficult experiences. The emotional challenges evolve with her life stages, influencing her response to different types of losses.
Besides supporting patients and their families, Simmons provides emotional and spiritual support to hospital staff. Her interaction ranges from comforting those managing personal losses to assisting new nurses with their first encounters with death. Her motivation is fueled by her colleagues’ dedication. “They love their jobs and care about their patients,” Simmons noted.
Balancing her professional and personal life, Simmons finds grounding and empathy through her family. Her children’s perspectives remind her of the significance in life’s smaller moments. As a chaplain in a male-dominated field, her vibrant and candid persona challenges norms. “Part of being a chaplain is being an earth shaker and a system shaker,” she stated.
Simmons embraces change as integral to spiritual growth. “The most consistent thing that happens is change. I believe in my theology that if I’m not changing, then I’m not getting closer to the divine,” she shared.
For those visiting Iredell Memorial Hospital, a greeting to Bubba could be a rewarding encounter.
