Would You Pray if your Patient asked?

[LasVegasRN]

If a patient asked you to pray with or for them at the bedside, would you?

I had this discussion with some other nurses and the responses were interesting. Some said they would have no problem, others said it was too personal a request for a patient to ask, and others said they would call the chaplain as they felt it is a chaplain function only.

I witnessed one occurence where a patient asked his nurse to pray with him. Without hesistation, she took his hand and prayed a very nice non-denominational prayer. I realize not everyone can or might not want to do this, but it really brought solace to that patient.

Your thoughts?

[jude11142]

I would have no problem "praying with a patient"(and I have on several occasions). I believe that this can be done without "putting getting into a religious debate or beliefs". I actually think of it as a priviliage to be asked to pray with a patient.

Though, I do respect others decision not to pray with their patients. Again, if it makes one uncomfortable then it shouldn't be done.

Just my two cents worth,

JUDE

[live4today, RN]

Originally posted by mario_ragucci

..............What if your job forbid you to pray?

I would NEVER work where I was forbidden to pray as prayer is the life I live, not just what comes out of my mouth. Prayer is a way of "being".....not words that are spoken, yet stagnant. Prayer is ACTION...... living what one believes to be Truth.

[BBnurse34]

Working in a Catholic hospital. I get many opportunities to hold patient's parent's hands and bow my head and think positive thoughts. If this is prayer, then I am all for meeting the person's needs.

We need to be respectfull of patient's spiritual needs. I am frequently asked to save umbilical cords and meconium. I don't bother asking why. I just do as they wish.

[frankie]

Hello, I would pray with a patient and I would pray for a patient. Of the two, I would encourage patient, spiritual counselor, and family to join in with the patient. frankie

[gr8nurse4u]

At the rist of being the only one. No, I'm sorry, I can't, please don't ask, let me find a pastor/minister/something for you.

I'm not a bad nurse or a bad person, I just won't pray.

[mark_LD_RN]

yes i would pray with them. Ioften pray for them with out them having to ask:)

[globalRN]

Originally posted by mark_LD_RN

yes i would pray with them. Ioften pray for them with out them having to ask:)

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I agree

[globalRN]

Originally posted by mark_LD_RN

yes i would pray with them. Ioften pray for them with out them having to ask:)

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I agree

[JAYNE DANCE]

YES!!!!!!! OH LORD YES

[Just Angi]

I would pray with ANYONE who asked me to. It wouldn't matter if it was a patient or not. But, for a patient I definitely would.

[CMERN]

Originally posted by mark_LD_RN

yes i would pray with them. Ioften pray for them with out them having to ask:)

"DITTO"

[sbic56, BSN, RN]

Sure I'd pray, if they asked. I'd never let on my own belief system to my patients. No need for that. No harm in aiding them in this manner in their time of need. It is about them....not me!