One of Ballad Health’s six values, as determined by team members, is faith. “We nurture the mind, body and spirit of each individual to inspire hope and improve the health and well-being of our community.” Our chaplains across the system guide us in this process, so we are featuring them in a series of profiles in Ballad Health News. Today we feature Steve Playl, chaplain at Bristol Regional Medical Center.
I started out in music ministry, but it didn’t take me long to realize that’s not where I needed to be. So, I attended seminary and, after I graduated, I began pastoring. During that time, I was a volunteer chaplain, and later became a part-time chaplain at Bristol Regional Medical Center. A little over four years ago, I gave up my church and have been completely committed to chaplaincy ever since. In total, I have been a chaplain at Bristol for 22 years.
The thing I enjoy most about my job is the feeling that I can really help people who are in tough situations. Sometimes it’s a joyful situation, like the birth of a child. But many times, someone is going through an illness themselves or has a family member who is sick. I want to be there to help them through the tough times. I feel like the Lord is able to use me that way.
There are a lot of patients who stand out, but one who was a real inspiration to me happened about 10 years ago. It was about a year after I had quadruple bypass surgery. A man wanted me to drop by his room so I went. He asked if I was the chaplain who had heart surgery about a year ago. I said, “Yes I did. How did you know?” He said he was scheduled to have surgery at the same time. I looked at the man and said, “I hope I didn’t bump you from the schedule.” Turns out, that’s exactly what happened.
As we compared notes, he shared that the doctor explained to him that by moving my surgery ahead of his, my life was saved. I became weak-kneed and light-headed. I hadn’t realized until then that my surgery was that much of an emergency.
I had to sit down as our conversation continued, and we began to bond. I prayed with him and his family and then, as I started to leave, I turned back and stumbled through an apology for “cutting line” on the surgery schedule. He said, “I’m glad it happened. Otherwise you wouldn’t be here to pray for me today.”
I had the honor to speak at the man’s funeral sometime after that and, with his wife’s permission, I shared that story. And I added a comparison about how Jesus had traded places with me when He died on the cross. I’m glad he traded places with us. And I know, in heaven, my friend is glad, too.
Since then, I’ve had a different outlook and more empathy when I’m meeting with patients, families and staff. It can be emotionally draining at times. I try to find a balance and enjoy life.
My wife and I like to travel. I also like to take photos and read. And I write a regular column for some local newspapers about things I have learned and make a spiritual application. Mostly they’re about my grandchildren. My wife and I have seven, and they’re just so stinking cute I can’t resist talking about them. Anyone with grandchildren would understand that.
