Atheist or Agnostic?

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2006

Look at my sig and you tell me.

ZASHAGALKA, RN · Mar 30, 2006

Long thread on topic:

https://allnurses.com/forums/f8/religion-needed-good-nurse-126730.html?highlight=RELIGION

~faith,

Timothy.

buddiage · Mar 30, 2006

I know, I know, you're never supposed to talk about religion or politics, right....
I'm really not trying to start a religious debate, but just get a sense of where people are at. I'm a first year student and an atheist, yet all my fellow students and the nurses I'm meeting are believers.
If and when I become an atheist nurse, am I going to find myself a fish out of water?

You are going to find all sorts of beliefs, and everyone is entitled to believe what they want. I don't think it's a big deal that we are not all the same in thought and belief. I say live and let live, and don't chastize people for believing differently. In your case, don't think about it a whole bunch. I'd think just be sensible and respectful, and people will likely return the favor. You all are there because of nursing school, not religious debate.

I personally like learning about other people's beliefs and religions (I have books on them). It's an interesting part of human culture (and no, I am not an athiest). Why not focus on what you have in common with your fellow nursing students?

JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP · Mar 30, 2006

I don't know why your religious beliefs or lack thereof should be an issue on the job.

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2006

I know, I know, you're never supposed to talk about religion or politics, right....
I'm really not trying to start a religious debate, but just get a sense of where people are at. I'm a first year student and an atheist, yet all my fellow students and the nurses I'm meeting are believers.
If and when I become an atheist nurse, am I going to find myself a fish out of water?

You wonder if you are going to find yourself feeling the odd one out? Well, atheists are definately in the minority in the US. Sociology studies show that women without a doubt, have higher levels of religiosity than men on average. Women are obviously the majority in nursing, so beware. I think it also depends on were you live. The South has much higher levels of religiosity.

I myself am staunchly agnostic. In fact I lean atheist. Love the Flying Spaghetti Monster movement! Woe unto me, if I find myself working on a unit with all fundamentalists of any religion. These are my personal feelings.

I think it's best to simply not talk about these things at work. No need. The lack of belief in a god can terrify and/or infuriate those who do believe. So often they will respond in a not so positive way. Or begin the attempts to conquer (convert) you. So again, I'd keep it to yourself. As far as patients, depending on what sort of nursing you do - you may need to offer to call a chaplain, Rabbi, Imam, Priest, Pastor, etc. I'm sure you'll be attentive to their needs without a second thought as to your own beliefs. Perhaps even more than some nurses because you have no automatic affiliation? I don't know. If that makes sense.

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2006

Look at my sig and you tell me.

And may you be touched by his noodley appendage also! Bless you my sister in spaghetti.

:icon_hug:

perfectbluebuildings, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2006

In nursing school it wasn't that big a deal, that I remember- people thought I was a bit weird to be Catholic every now and then, but never any hostility etc., just a lot of questions. I am sure it would be different though as an atheist or agnostic, and, as people have said, in different parts of the country, or what school you are at. Around here "where do you go to church?" is as much a social interaction question as "where are you from, what do you do" etc. There are occasional discussions regarding religion etc. on my unit, but with the patients it really doesn't seem to matter- they don't care as long as you're taking care of them well. Also it's fairly easy to stay out of religious discussions if you don't want to join in; I usually do that, don't really like getting into that kind of discussion with co-workers unless we are close friends. Occasionally families will ask you to pray for them; I know some other people who are agnostic or atheist on this board have come up with polite, caring responses that at the same time don't compromise their values; I don't remember what they were. I do suggest reading that thread Timothy linked to above; it will give you insight into a lot of different perspectives on the subject. I hope you enjoy nursing school!! Take care.

allnurses Guide · Mar 30, 2006

Singing to the Monkees . . ."I'm a believer" . . . .

It has never caused a problem for me. It only comes up with one particular friend of mine and we are both believers and our conversation is private.

Politics comes up more at work - and that is actually fun. Especially when the liberal lapsed-Catholic doc and conservative non-church going doc and the Jewish Libertarian doc and the cowboy doc have discussions in the morning at the nurses station.

Live and let live is my philosophy too.

Best wishes.

steph

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2006

Im not a real religious person. I think there is a time and place for everything. Nurses are there to care for the sick, not to determine if someone follows a or the right religion. So no, it wont make any difference, just dont make that the topic of the day and dont let someone who likes to profess their convictions draw you into their debate.

Grama was right when she says 2 things you dont discuss is religion and politics. I live by that at work, much better things i need to be doing that getting into those discussions.

I find there are more hipocrites out there than those who have TRUE religious convictions.

Blee O'Myacin, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2006

Look at my sig and you tell me.

To know that I am among my fellow brothers and sisters in noodles is heartwarming.

For a serious answer to your question, I don't let my feeling of being random particulate matter affect my patient care. And a big part of that is addressing the spritual needs that are felt by your patient. If a patient talks about G-d, (see, old habits die hard) - then I listen. If it gets out of my realm of being helpful, I ask if they want a pastoral visit (usually they already are and are just thinking about stuff in the middle of the night).

So to the OP - don't listen to those who choose to wrap nursing and religion who say that faith and nursing must go hand in hand for everyone - like a calling. I have a feeling that if these same people felt the need to be bankers or engineers, they would bring their religion to that occupation as well. There is nothing wrong with that, just like there is nothing wrong with being an agnostic or an antheist. To some, if you are not their religion, you are on the incorrect path, so what difference does it make to you? Always be a professional, and people will respect you for that. You don't need to wear your religion or lack there of on your lapel!

Blee

ZASHAGALKA, RN · Mar 30, 2006

See, your own nursing leaders set this issue up to be a quandary with their hoaky eastern religion passed off as nursing theory.

Timothy Leary would have been a great nursing theorist.

Nursing, as a profession, seems, if you'll excuse the pun, hell bent on defining itself by the better 'angels' of our nature instead of as the high tech, science based and driven job that it really is.

~faith,

Timothy.