Atheists? How do you deal with religious people?

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I'm an atheist. I am uncomfortable around religious situations. I haven't started nursing school yet (14 weeks to go). I'm concerned with being confronted with people that would ask me to "Pray for them" and stuff. I don't know if this is a common occurrence among patients, etc. Aside from not wanting to be included in religious sentiments, I also am very uncomfortable with lying. I think I would find moral difficulty with saying "Okay" to someone that would ask me to pray for them.

I'd prefer to hear from atheists how they deal with situations like that. I'd rather not get into a religion discussion, if it can be avoided.

I was trying to search for old threads, but the links from the search engine are not going to the correct pages.

Anyone ever have the desire to run through a thread and delete all the off-topic posts? =P

Currently, I'm feelin' in.

:D

I don't think we can or should. I think the record speaks volumes and maybe someone in the future might see themselves in the mirror. :twocents:

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Specializes in Informatics.
This has been happening all night, Bob. You'll be accused of attacking people for disagreeing. It's futile, I'm afraid.

I'm beginning to realize this. Well, since it's not my lot in life to proselytize, I can only stand by and watch the train wreck.

The faith wars can be amusing at times, but they're predominately destructive, petty and mean-spirited.

Now where's my popcorn?

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Specializes in Medsurg/ICU, Mental Health, Home Health.
I have only 12 weeks till I start nursing school!

:)

I'm sure you've heard this already, but ENJOY those twelve weeks! You'll do well in nursing school, I'm sure, but you might forget what free time is!

Cheers!

*~Jess~*

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.
I'm sure you've heard this already, but ENJOY those twelve weeks! You'll do well in nursing school, I'm sure, but you might forget what free time is!

Cheers!

*~Jess~*

I'm going to try. I am planning on quitting work at the end of February. Taking off almost all of March (Classes start on the 30th). And trying to relax a bit. Since it's an accelerated 1-year program, I don't plan on working while I attend. I've been spending my current "free time" reading Saunder's NCLEX review book. Why not review what I never learned in the first place?

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Specializes in Informatics.

Hey Loner ... this is way OT, but I see you're a CLS as well. That's what I was studying before I went into nursing. It's good to see I'm not the only one to leave all that education behind for a more rewarding career.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.
Hey Loner ... this is way OT, but I see you're a CLS as well. That's what I was studying before I went into nursing. It's good to see I'm not the only one to leave all that education behind for a more rewarding career.

Actually, I got my AAS in CLT in 1999 (and somehow passed that test on the first try, despite being SURE I failed). Rather than look for a job, I just enrolled in a university, and got my Bachelor's in biology. After I graduated, I applied to places to be a research technician, and I think I was also applying to be a CLT. Regardless, only had research tech interviews. I got a job doing hemophilia and gene therapy research - the hemophilia part being at least somewhat related to the CLT degree. Now, our focus is leaning towards immunology. I think my CLT courses have helped with my research. But, it's an academic research position. I've been there over 6 years, and feel it's time for a change. I'm pretty sure no hospital in the area would hire me with my CLT degree (I don't need CEUs for my certification) since I haven't worked in nearly 10 years since I got the degree. And, with a change of heart, I decided to pursue nursing. For CLT, I really liked hematology and immunology best. =)

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Specializes in Informatics.
Actually, I got my AAS in CLT in 1999 (and somehow passed that test on the first try, despite being SURE I failed). Rather than look for a job, I just enrolled in a university, and got my Bachelor's in biology. After I graduated, I applied to places to be a research technician, and I think I was also applying to be a CLT. Regardless, only had research tech interviews. I got a job doing hemophilia and gene therapy research - the hemophilia part being at least somewhat related to the CLT degree. Now, our focus is leaning towards immunology. I think my CLT courses have helped with my research. But, it's an academic research position. I've been there over 6 years, and feel it's time for a change. I'm pretty sure no hospital in the area would hire me with my CLT degree (I don't need CEUs for my certification) since I haven't worked in nearly 10 years since I got the degree. And, with a change of heart, I decided to pursue nursing. For CLT, I really liked hematology and immunology best. =)

I stopped short of getting licensed after my BS in bio. I was accepted in a training program in San Francisco and decided to give up my position to someone who would actually benefit from it. I would have taken a pay cut as a CLS, and I was already on track for nursing school. Concentrating in CLS has only strengthened my current position. I would have been completely happy being a lab rat, but nursing is so much more diverse.

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Patients and nurses often don't have that option, hence the OP.

You always have an option. If someone asks you to pray for them, you have a choice in your response--from saying "I'll keep you in my thoughts." to getting a church pastor/chaplain.

BTW...my comment was referring to the argumentative replies from this post. People will always disagree. Part of life. Accept it and move on.

My family and I pray before we eat a restaurant. If that offends you, look the other way. :)

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THE BOB..I meant every word..God does not hear the prayers of non-believers. send someone to pray with me that actually believes!If a Jew wanted prayer I would be MORE THAN HAPPY TO POLITELY get him a rabbi. so dont try to turn words around on me,like people did to romen. thank you much.....btw : it is our DUTY to GOD to tell people about Jesus.and I know that I will make a great nurse,because I care and LOVE people (even athiest)and have the LOVE OF GOD in me. "EVERYONE" have a great day and A HAPPY NEW YEAR!:heartbeat:heartbeat:heartbeat

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I meant every word..God does not hear the prayers of non-believers.

Obviously you have never even read the bible...

:down:

It's nice to know we can come to you for that direct line to God. Seeing as you know him so intimately.

/end sarcasm

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Specializes in Critical Care.
the sad thing is that the Christian has a moral code to live by, but those without God do not. So mercy and kindness are given by the Christian but there are no rules to play by for the others.

This has to be the single most humorous thing I've ever read on this site. :p

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This has to be the single most humorous thing I've ever read on this site. :p

OH NO!!!

Quit attacking people you heathen!!!!!!!!!!

You pagan devil you!!! :D

Oh... sorry. I got confused!

:lghmky::lghmky::lghmky:

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