Residency

Residency Year Overview

The Residency Year at WakeMed builds upon the educational prerequisites of a master’s degree and successful completion of an initial unit of CPE.

The year is divided into three CPE units, providing opportunities for the student to increase understanding and the practice of ministry for patients, families and staff within the context of a major medical center.

Admissions Criteria for Residents

  • A master’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university
  • The successful completion of at least one unit of ACPE accredited CPE
  • Ordination or authorization to function in ministry by one’s faith community
  • Completed application
  • ACPE Admissions Interview with CPE supervisory staff

Important Residency Information 

  • Dates: August – August 
  • Schedule: Monday – Friday work schedule, 8:00am – 4:30pm, plus on-call rotations. No on-call shifts on Saturdays or Sundays.
  • Positions Available: Four (4) First Year Residents and two (2) Second Year Residents
  • Tuition: $300.00 per unit (3 CPE units for the year)
    • A limited number of tuition scholarships may be available.
  • Annual Stipend: First Year Residents: $42,494 / Second Year Residents: $44,616
  • Benefits: Medical insurance, life insurance, free parking, 26 paid days off, on-call meal tickets, and pharmacy discounts

Unit Themes

These are the typical themes of the three units: 

Unit 1 - Theology

This unit focuses on the study of human development and human nature from a theological perspective. Students look at theological themes that have been a major part of the history of religious traditions. This enables them to understand how their own theological perspectives inform the practice of ministry provided to patients, families, and staff.

Unit 2 – Psychology

The focus of the 2nd unit is the psychological understanding of persons from a developmental perspective. Students will be introduced to theories of human development in order to better understand individuals, self, and systems in the provision of spiritual care.

Unit 3 – Leadership

The last unit focuses on leadership in ministry. Emphases on styles of leadership, authenticity, conflict resolution, ministry management, developing community, and self-care enable the leader to function more effectively in a variety of ministry contexts.

Second Year Residency

The second-year residency follows the same unit themes as the first-year residency with additional educational elements to complement second-year learning objectives. The second-year residency focuses on leadership, Board Certification preparation, and clinical responsibilities consistent with staff chaplaincy. Students receive support in writing BCC materials and mentoring by a staff chaplain in addition to teaching didactics and facilitating spirituality groups. 

Residency Requirements 

Educational Requirements

Each unit requires a minimum of 400 hours of supervised ministry.

Meeting topics may include:

  • Case Conference Seminars
  • Interpersonal and Professional Relationship Group (IPR)
  • Didactic Seminars
  • Clinical Focus
  • Individual Supervision
  • Theological Reflection Seminar
  • Resident Presentations
  • Assisting with Intern Orientation/Mentoring

Required written work may include:

  • Learning Contract
  • Verbatim Reports/Critical Incident Reports
  • Weekly Reflection Papers
  • Unit Project/Presentation
  • Weekly Visitation Logs
  • Readings to support Learning Contract & as assigned
  • Staff and Patient Evaluations
  • Mid-unit and Final Evaluations
  • Mid-Year Consultation with CPE educator/s and staff chaplain/s

Clinical Requirements

  • Residents serve in assigned clinical areas for the duration of the year.
  • Residents collaborate with the entire Spiritual Care department, which includes CPE students, staff chaplains, and contract chaplains, to ensure clinical coverage throughout the hospital.
  • On-call rotations, usually four to six 12-hour shifts per month (will receive flex time).
  • Residents rotate leading Meditative Monday chapel service.

How to apply 

Direct questions to Spiritual Care by calling 919-350-8556 or emailing Luwannah Hadding – lhadding@wakemed.org.