Religious hospitals?

[vwgirl22]

As a new grad, I have come across many new grad positions at religious hospitals, especially seventh-day adventist institutions. I myself am not a religious person (spiritual yes) and I wonder what working at a religious hospital is like. I have read job postings and I get the impression that they want you to "carry on the work of Jesus." While I have nothing against Jesus or any religions for that matter, I just wonder how it would be to apply or work at this type of hospital not being a religious person. I certainly do not mean to offend anyone by this post, I am simply looking for some insight on what employment/interviews in these kind of institutions is like. Any info appreciated. Thanks!

[LadyinScrubs, ASN, RN]

I am spiritural, like you. I have worked for two religious hospitals; one huge Jewish and the other a small Catholic. I never experienced a problem. One Easter morning a priest came around and blessed all the nurses on my unit. Hey, that was fine with me. Anytime someone wants to give me a blessing, it is just fine--I have had enough non-blessings sent my way from time to time from patients. It would be nice to hear the experience of others.

[Bpieslo1]

I am spiritural, like you. I have worked for two religious hospitals; one huge Jewish and the other a small Catholic. I never experienced a problem. One Easter morning a priest came around and blessed all the nurses on my unit. Hey, that was fine with me. Anytime someone wants to give me a blessing, it is just fine--I have had enough non-blessings sent my way from time to time from patients. It would be nice to hear the experience of others.

Where was the catholic hospital an what's its name? I'm not overly religious but I'm a tech at a small catholic pediatric hospital where I go to school and wouldn't mind going to one on Cali where I'm from

[missnurse01, MSN, RN]

I have worked at several catholic hosp and other than crosses on the walls there was no difference.

[CVmursenary]

I have worked at an adventist hospital and it is much like any other. You are only expected to comply with the professional/social standards of the religion while on duty which are basically just common courtesy and kindness. There is also a prayer given before you go out on the floor.

[rn/writer, RN]

The religious hospitals I have worked at/been a patient in have not browbeat people--patients or employees--into believing their doctrine. Religious Mission Statements share their motivation and give insight into their values, but they aren't creeds you have to espouse as if you were joining one of their churches.

What you might see are things like crosses on the walls, posters, services offered in the chapel, blessing of the hands, Communion and other items and practices that show their affiliation. But these things are offered, not required.

And if someone requests a chaplain of a different faith or some other assistance with their own spiritual expression, most religious hospitals will try to accommodate as much as they are able.

As an employee, you'll be expected to behave in a way that is consistent with the Mission Statement, but what you do or do not believe is your business.

You might run into individuals who try to push the issue or force their beliefs on others, but that's very likely against the rules of the facility.

Working for a religious hospital has been a good experience for me.

[amoLucia]

Long time ago, my first position out of school was at a Catholic facility. No problems. They did pray The Angelus at noon over the PA system (I have that prayer memorized in my psyche!) And in the morning before breakfast, a priest and nun made floor to floor rounds to provide Holy Communion to Catholic pts. (I don't know if they still do these.) But something that has significantly influenced my career ever since was their provision of Last Rites. They were absolutely emphatic about it. And I pursue its provision vigorously to my pts where approp now. But the biggest issue will be their stand on abortions and contraceptive care. This is the one area I could see a faith-based facility discussing with you (in a politcally correct way, of course).

[Dixielee, BSN, RN]

I agree with the other posters. I have worked at several Catholic hospitals and one Seventh Day Adventist hospital. I am religious, but not of either of the above faiths and have never had a problem. You probably will come across more patients and staff that adhere to the philosophy of the institution so if you have a problem with their faith, it might not be a good match.

I have never had anyone try to convert me to their way of thinking, but I am also respectful of their views. "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" (no pun regarding Catholics intended).

If you can respect their religion, do not take offense to prayers, clergy or pictures of Christ (in Christian hospitals), then you should not find it much different from secular institutions. The key in all matters I think, is respect.

[wanderlust99]

I've worked at Jewish and Catholic hospitals. The only real difference I noted was that in most Catholic hospitals they give to the community quite a bit. Other than that it's just semantics, you may seem some crosses on the walls and in the Jewish hospitals you will see a mezuzah on each door.

I grew up Catholic but am not religious now at all. And it doesn't bother me working at these places.