Stockbridge, Ga. (June 29, 2020) – As a chaplain at Piedmont Henry Hospital, one of Tynika Baker-Isaac’s primary roles is to connect with patients and help them find ways to cope during a difficult time in their lives. That can mean praying with them, providing education on advance directives and end of life decisions, offering resources and support, or just being a friendly and supportive presence in the room. Those services have been especially critical during the COVID-19 outbreak as visitation levels at the hospital were restricted. Baker-Isaac acted as a bridge between patients and loved ones.

“It has been such a challenging time and everyone needs to feel connection and support,” said Baker-Isaac. “It is important to everyone at Piedmont Henry that our patients and families know that we are caring for them, that we are listening, and that they are being heard.”

That need for connection and communication did not just come from patients. Staff members facing the unknowns of a novel coronavirus and working hard to keep their patients, colleagues, and families safe, often needed some time to step away, recharge, or access spiritual care. Baker-Isaac spent time with staff members, nurses, and physicians in each department. She offered words of comfort and encouragement, but most importantly she listened to their concerns.

“A career in healthcare can be very rewarding, but it can also be very stressful,” said Baker-Isaac. “Our nurses and doctors don’t stop caring about their patients when they get in their cars and go home each night. They are also worried about their families and loved ones during this crisis and how they can keep them safe. My goal is to simply offer support and connect them with any resources they need.”

Early on in the pandemic, Baker-Isaac launched a spiritual care prayer call that staff members could call into. It was offered several days a week and was a place where staff members coming off night shift or starting their day could connect and hear words of encouragement and support. She also had daily words of encouragement that were included in daily communications between leadership and staff.

“Our purpose at Piedmont is to make a positive difference in every life we touch,” said Baker-Isaac. “I feel blessed that my role at Piedmont Henry allows me to make a positive difference in the lives of our patients and our staff.”

To learn more about spiritual care services at Piedmont, visit piedmont.org/spiritual-services.