Religion and work-- is there a median?

RNConnieF · Sep 29, 2002

Where I work we are not allowed to have any type of religious items on public display. At Christmas we can only do winter theme and the nonsecular Santa. If your facility allows Christian display, unless they are a Catholic hospital, they have to, by law, allow religious display of other "widely accepted" religous groups. If you can't get Wicca in you can most likely get the Christian display out. Discrimination is illegal.

SmilingBluEyes · Sep 29, 2002

You are right to be upset. I would never question your sanity in your exercising your legal right to practice your chosen religion/belief system. As long as you don't push it on anyone else; just as Christians/MuslimsBuddists/Atheists/ whatever, or others should not, why should it bother anyone? Live in peace and dont' sweat what others think. However, as you know, You have the right to your beliefs just like anyone else. No one has the right to discriminate or make libelous remarks about you due to your belief system. If this continues, pursue it. It is plain wrong.

CaliNurse · Sep 29, 2002

I bought a pen on a strap that was a break away strap. Perfect for work. My badge and pen around my neck. On the strap is had little letters WWJD. My DON approached me and told me that we could not wear anything that was religious to prevent offending others of different religions or an absence of belief in a religion.

So I gave up the cool pen on a string and now wear one from the girl scouts summer camp. My pen is in my pocket. I didn't get it initially but since then we have had several patients come and go who's religious beliefs were different than mine. The only thing religious on the unit are cards from patients and families that were there thanking us for their care.

Beyond the religious issues we are not allowed to keep any personal items on the unit. No food, purses, books, drinks, etc. If it doesn't fit in our pockets, fanny pack, or lockers it stays in the car. Otherwise it is trashed. This seems severe but we never have any environmental issues during survey.

I have to admit I have never heard of your religion but I would not think you were insane for believing different than I do.

Cali

Genista, BSN, RN · Sep 29, 2002

Barbara- I work at a Catholic hospital. Though I am not Catholic, and neither are many of my patients, we are inundated with Catholic prayers, quotes, etc. I am surprised how that one coworker reacted to your shrine. I thought tolerance for multiculturism and religious belief was taught in most nursing schools. I don't believe in alot of the Catholic stuff, but if it brings comfort to others, what do I care? Your statue is no more offensive than any other religious symbol.Most religions hold the same principles at heart of peace, love , and respect for life. I would not be offended by your differing belief. You have every right to be upset.

caliotter3 · Sep 29, 2002

What's good for one is good for all. It would probably be better if all religious articles were removed. Then there could be no hard feelings or discrimination. This might relieve some uncomfortable moments also.

At one place where I worked there was extremely bad morale (sound familiar?). We started posting jokes and pleasant pictures, etc. at the nursing station. The nurse manager came and took down our pictures and jokes. I remember feeling really hurt that something we did for ourselves to try to make each other feel better got bashed. I'm surprised that these items you mention have lasted as long as they have.

mario_ragucci · Sep 29, 2002

I don't know anything about Wicca. I was born and raised in Eltingville, and went to Holy Child Parish where i received all my sacraments, but even then, I was happy to know I create my own reality, despite the confusing stuff about religion.

Heh, lol, any imaginary subject will tend to wild out some people, whether they are stunch believers, or those with onboard reality-makers...whatever.

Little by little, i hope humanity pays less and less attention to religions and belief.sys and start to create, ourselves, more love and enjoyment of life, rather than all the death and hatred religions usually bring :-(

If a Wicca person left objects around, and indicated they were of some extra-power origin, i would ask questions. Eventually i would understand it, and come up with my own version of what they are doing plus my own love. Isn't that what your supposed to do?

If a Wicca person talked about the future being determined by Wicca, then I would grumble because no person, or single electron, can travel at a speed beyong the speed of visual light, or 300,000 Km per second. Limitations in our life are wicked! :kiss

Nittlebug · Sep 29, 2002

My opinion- We should not subject others to our religions. Just leave it at home and in your heart. I am so sick of having to listen to christian prayers over the loud speaker. It's very inconsiderate. Cards posted, I don't have to look at, but you can't hide from the overhead speaker.

OBNURSEHEATHER · Sep 29, 2002

Originally posted by RNConnieF
Discrimination is illegal.

Your entire post was awesome Connie, I just wanted to restate this ever-so-important fact. It all goes, or it all satys. Period.

Heather

studentOH · Sep 29, 2002

Is this 1900 or something? Even if you regard Wicca or Christianity as something silly we've all at least heard of them and know of them. I can't believe how afraid people get of things that are different from them.

Barbara--If they take down your stuff see that theirs gets taken down too. I keep mine in my locker at work--you know, the eye of newt right next to the cat we're going to sacrifice to satan next week *sigh*. BB :)

Bri

CashewLPN, LPN · Sep 29, 2002

thanks kids... I'm glad i didnt get bashed-- I just wanted to see what was the concensous.... I go back tomorrow.... I'll let you know what the update is on whats happening...

--Barbara

jemb · Sep 29, 2002

Hi Barbara, I am a solitary practioner of the craft. I keep a couple of things on my desk at work --a candle, a small plant, and some small pictures of significance to me. But,as far as I know, no one has ever questioned it -- they would look insignificant to anyone else. Occassionally, I wear a pentacle necklace, but it is small and usually beneath my clothes. Only a couple of patients have even known what it is, and for the few others who have asked, I just say "it has personal significance to me." I work in oncology, and find that my beliefs are significant in helping my patients, but I refrain from mentioning any religion unless they want to talk about their own. I'd love to correspond with you if you ever feel inspired to pm me.