Compassion, connection and care beyond a diagnosis

For many patients and families, the hardest part of an illness is navigating the unknown. As a spiritual care co-ordinator at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, Joe Green helps people facing sickness, loss and major life changes feel less alone, offering support when they need it most.

Growing up as a minister's child, Joe was exposed early to some of life's most challenging moments. Those experiences, along with his own spiritual journey, eventually led him to a career in spiritual care.

"When hearts break, it's meaningful to walk towards and not away from people who need compassionate care," Joe says. "Our patients are amazing people, and I'm continually reminded of the difference it makes when someone feels heard."

While many people associate spiritual care with religion, Joe says its focus is much broader. He and team members across Central Zone support patients and families through a range of challenges, whether adjusting to a new diagnosis, adapting to life with a disability, planning for long-term care or facing the end of life. Their work centres on understanding each person's experience and supporting them through the confusion, grief and change that often accompany illness.

“We tend to the human spirit and explore whether spirituality is a source of strength for someone navigating uncertainty or change,” Joe says. “When I ask, 'How are your spirits?' people understand what I'm really asking. It invites them to reflect on what matters most, or what sustains them. For some, that comes from a spiritual tradition, but these are questions that touch all of us.”

Supporting people from many faiths, cultures and backgrounds is an important part of Joe's role. Spiritual care teams also connect patients with faith leaders and spiritual communities when requested, while also supporting those with no religious affiliation.

Joe says the people he meets continue to inspire and teach him. "I'm motivated and humbled by learning every day. I learn from people's stories, lived experience and spirituality."

One of Joe's most memorable experiences involved officiating a wedding for a patient with a terminal diagnosis. Surrounded by family, staff and loved ones, the ceremony took place in the hospital and became a moment of joy amid difficult circumstances.

“I remember the faces of the couple, their family members and the staff, who paused what they were doing to witness the moment,” he says. “They told me how valuable and meaningful it was to have light shine in dark times. It doesn't erase reality. It doesn't change the circumstances. But it really does humanize life, even if death is in view.”

Joe believes that some of the most meaningful care begins with simply showing up for people when they need it most. Whether he is supporting patients, families or colleagues, he is guided by a simple philosophy: "Listen deeply, empathize, be present, see beyond the disease and diagnosis to the human in front of me."

In addition to supporting patients and families, Joe helps educate future practitioners through Nova Scotia Health's partnership with universities and provides professional practice leadership for spiritual care colleagues across the province.

During Spiritual Health Awareness Week (Oct .26-30), Joe hopes people will come away with a better understanding of the role spiritual health plays in overall well-being. Paraphrasing a well-known quote by Maya Angelou, he says:

"People are not likely to remember what you said or did, but they will remember how you made them feel,” he says. “We seek to make patients and families feel safe, seen, less alone and cared for with great compassion."