CHARLOTTE, N.C. — One hospital worker has been bringing comfort to patients and colleagues as they battle through the COVID-19 pandemic.
What You Need to Know
- The Rev. Gloria Mungo is a hospital chaplain for Novant Health
- She helps patients and workers spiritually get through their challenges
- Her teachings are open to all faiths
The Rev. Gloria Mungo prays with several nurses a week. Certified nursing assistant Masha Gonzales said it really helps on the stressful days.
“She has a lot of wisdom and knowledge, and she can comfort you,” Gonzales said. “She helps us be used by the Holy Spirit and let him show us the way through her.”
Mungo is a hospital chaplain who works in the intensive care unit of Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center. She knows many of the workers on a first-name basis and makes smalltalk to see how their days are going.
“The nurses know what happened with the patient the night before and what is going on right now,” Mungo said. "They also know if there has been a change and the family needs support.”
Mungo has been working at Novant Health for 10 years. Her guidance isn’t just for Christians, but rather people of all faiths. She also helps guide those who don’t believe.
“I just meet them where they are and try to encourage them and let them know they are not going through this alone,” Mungo said.
The toughest part of her job is talking with patients as they are dying. It’s something nurses experience a lot during the pandemic.
“The emotional attachment you get from the patients, it is very overwhelming,” Mungo said. “It can be depleting at times. If you have that love in your heart, you will feel the pain that these families are going through.”
It’s why Mungo’s work is so powerful. She reminds everyone there is hope.
“There may be one or two who didn't make it today," Mungo said. "But I tell the staff, think about all the others that were transferred out of here and discharged from the hospital."