Chaplain
Posted Sep 20, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026
Likely interview questions for this role
Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.
About your past
Tell me about something you learned about yourself during CPE.
What they are checking: Whether they reflect on their own reactions, which clinical pastoral education is meant to build.
This PRN role covers days, evenings, nights and weekends. How do you handle being called in the middle of the night?
What they are checking: Whether they can show up ready and steady for overnight crises.
How do you take care of yourself after carrying other people's grief?
What they are checking: Whether they have healthy practices that let them keep doing this work over time.
What would you do
You're called to the ED where a family has just learned a loved one died. Walk me through how you'd approach them.
What they are checking: Whether they offer calm presence and follow the family's lead rather than rushing to words or rituals.
A physician refers a patient and asks you to visit today. How do you fit that in on a busy shift?
What they are checking: Whether they respond to referrals the same day, as the posting expects, while handling other needs.
A family asks you to help them decide whether to remove life support. What is your role?
What they are checking: Whether they support the family's process without making the medical decision for them.
A patient is angry at God and angry at you for being there. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they can stay present with anger without becoming defensive or leaving too quickly.
About the work
How do you do a spiritual assessment with a patient whose faith is different from yours, or who has no faith at all?
What they are checking: Whether they can meet people where they are without bringing their own beliefs to the center.
How do you support nurses and staff after a hard death or code?
What they are checking: Whether they see employees as part of their care, since the role covers fellow caregivers too.
How do you share what you learned in a visit with the care team while respecting confidentiality?
What they are checking: Whether they know what belongs in the chart and the team meeting and what stays private.
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Practice this out loudThe full job description
As published by SSM Health.