James Pace
Pace named hospitals’ evening chaplain
James Pace, program director for Vanderbilt University School of Nursing's Adult Nurse Practitioner Palliative Care Program, has been named evening chaplain for Vanderbilt University Hospital and the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.
“Jim's brings with him a broad appreciation for the hospital environment and the multiple disciplines that make for excellent health care and well being for patients, families and staff,” said the Rev. Barry Culbertson, VUH Chaplain Coordinator. “Jim's pastoral style is well suited to both crisis ministry and 'sustaining' ministry.”
Pace has been an Episcopal priest for 18 years and is a doctorally prepared nurse.
He started his new role in August, joining a team of chaplains in the Department of Pastoral Care Services who respond to crisis, deaths and provide pastoral care to patients, their families and health care workers.
Pace is on duty Mondays through Thursdays from 4:30 to 10 p.m.
“Jim's keen understanding of community and vocation enriches both Vanderbilt University and Nashville,” said Alice Hunt, associate dean Academic Affairs at Vanderbilt University Divinity School.
“His interdisciplinary background along with his ability to view communities in all their complexities will offer a unique contribution to chaplaincy at the hospitals.
Pace will also continue to coordinate the Palliative Care Program at VUSN and promote the joint M.S.N./M. Div./M.T.S. offered through the Divinity and Nursing schools.
“Jim is a kind, compassionate, caring person and his role on the nursing faculty as well as serving as evening chaplain is a great living example of how students can apply the joint nursing and divinity degree,” said Linda Norman, senior associate dean for Academics at VUSN.