205 Hospice Explained: Chaplain J.S. Park on Grief Myths, Family Dynamics, and Self-Care

205 Hospice Explained: Chaplain J.S. Park on Grief Myths, Family Dynamics, and Self-Care

Host Marie Betcher, a registered nurse and former hospice nurse, interviews hospital chaplain J.S. Park about his work in a 1,000-plus bed level-one trauma hospital providing a non-anxious, non-judgmental presence, grief support, end-of-life planning, and family advocacy. Park describes guiding families from first contact through bedside crises and how the emotional toll follows him home. He discusses his book As Long As You Need, which addresses multiple forms of loss and challenges the myth that people should "move on," emphasizing that grief is non-linear and something people "move with." He previews We Are Made of Us (out October 20, 2026), focused on family-of-origin dynamics, inherited trauma, boundaries, and ancestry, and explains facilitating tense family situations by honoring each person's role. They also discuss therapy, self-care as "life itself," meaning beyond productivity, and multigenerational caregiving.

00:00 Welcome and Disclaimer

00:29 Meet Host and Guest

01:33 Chaplain Life in Trauma Care

05:26 The Emotional Toll and Self Care

06:59 Book As Long As You Need

10:00 Grief Myths and Reality

13:24 New Book We Are Made of Us

17:22 Family Conflict at the Bedside

24:46 Intergenerational Trauma and Treasure

28:07 Self Care Beyond Work