Join us in congratulating Chaplain Derrick E. Young for earning his Advanced Practice Board Certified Chaplain - Hospice and Palliative Care Specialist Certification!
The certification validates and confirms Derrick's expertise as a chaplain working with patients at end-of-life.
We asked Derrick to share his journey in spiritual care.
"My name is Derrick E. Young and I've had the pleasure of working at Community Hospice & Palliative Care for almost five years. I recently earned my Advanced Practice Board Certified Chaplain - Hospice and Palliative Care Specialist certification. This certification gives me advanced knowledge in the field of Chaplaincy in Hospice and Palliative Care.
I first wanted the certification because it provided multiple opportunities in professional chaplaincy, especially as healthcare continues to change. As I continued to know more, however, I found I wanted to learn more about my spiritual role in Hospice and Palliative care to be more valuable to the interdisciplinary team. I remember my calling to become a Chaplain. It was after I watched a hospice chaplain provide spiritual care to my brother-in-law, who died of brain cancer. What he did was not the same as his pastor. From then on, I knew I was supposed to be a chaplain.
After finishing my Clinical Pastoral Education residency, I applied to Community Hospice because of the chaplain's care provided to my brother-in-law. I enjoy helping patients and families at end-of-life find peace, reestablish their legacy, create sacred spaces, find meaning and purpose through Life Review and bridge the gap between "what it should be" and "what it is." I remember a meeting almost five years ago where Dr. Ana Sanchez said, "I want to hear from the social workers, chaplain, and nurses because I want to know how we treat our patients." It's compassion for our patients like that of Dr. Sanchez that goes beyond illness and sets Community Hospice & Palliative Care apart from other organizations."
Congratulations, Derrick, and thank you for your ongoing commitment to our patients and families.