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Sr. Bridget Zanin, MSC
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  "Since 2004, my life has been overflowing with challenges and transitions which have deepened my faith," says Sr. Bridget Zanin. Among the notable events that have taken place in Sr. Bridget's life are her recently acquired Master's of Arts Degree in Pastoral Studies with which she graduated last spring from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and her new chaplain position at Mercy Hospital in Chicago.
"My time at Catholic Theological Union was a profound experience. It brought me in contact with students from all over the world and I gained global insights and perspectives," relates Sr. Bridget. "People from Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Africa, Central and South America, the Philippines…every place! It was an excellent experience.” Once Sr. Bridget completed her studies she went about applying for positions in ministry. "I had many job offers, but some were too far away and other offers were to be a manager. I just wanted to be part of a team," explained Sr. Bridget. Mercy Hospital is a 250 bed teaching hospital where she is now a member of the Pastoral Care Team. The hospital is in a poor area and serves a diverse population. Although a Catholic hospital, most of the patients are of other faiths. There are many African-American and Hispanic patients. The hospital also serves a large Chinese and Polish population. Language facility for the staff members is key. "Spanish is essential," said Sr. Bridget who speaks four languages – English, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian. "At the hospital I feel as if I am in a foreign mission!" remarks Bridget. "Staff members are being encouraged to study other languages, particularly Chinese and Polish, so that they can better serve and interact with patients." Sr. Bridget works on the Cardiac Care and Telemetry units. "I am part of an interdisciplinary team. I have to complete a spiritual assessment about each of my patients. This accountability and filling out the forms on the computer are all new to me! I enjoy visiting with patients and their families, and the result is very rewarding." Sr. Bridget relates that each day the staff has "5 minutes stand-up time" where we go over the hospital's core values and the behaviors that grow out of those values such as not engaging in casual conversation with other staff members while visiting with patients. Etiquette and respect are highly valued at Mercy. Everyone is courteous toward the patient and each other. "The spirit here is good," notes Sr. Bridget. As much as she is enjoying her new role, Sr. Bridget notes, "I like it here, but I really love hospice." Whatever the future may hold for Sr. Bridget, it is certain that she will bring the richness of her experiences, her pastoral skills, and, of course, her Cabrinian compassion and zeal. |
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