Atheists? How do you deal with religious people?

*Daytonite* · Dec 22, 2008, 11:16 PM

You all can argue God, no God, praying and not praying all the day long. The fact is that when you get your licenses and start working, you are going to be so busy hanging IVs, stamping out all kinds of little fires, admitting and discharging patients, calling doctors to clarify orders, dealing with relatives and all kinds of other stuff that the issue of religion or prayer is going to be the lowest priority on your ToDo list--if it even comes up.

yousoldtheworld · Dec 23, 2008, 03:31 AM

I deal with it by just politely ignoring it.

If someone asks me to pray for them, I respond with something like "I will keep you in my thoughts!"

If someone says something like "god bless you" to me, I just smile and say thank you.

It's really never been a big issue. Just stay professional, and respond to any religious comments just as you would anything else you might not agree with in such a setting...by being polite. You don't have to lie. I've never had a patient ask me, "Do you believe in god?" I have had questions asked like, "What church do you go to?" and I find something like "Oh, I don't attend church" to be an adequate response for most people.

Loner · Dec 23, 2008, 03:34 AM

Originally Posted by Daytonite

You all can argue God, no God, praying and not praying all the day long. The fact is that when you get your licenses and start working, you are going to be so busy hanging IVs, stamping out all kinds of little fires, admitting and discharging patients, calling doctors to clarify orders, dealing with relatives and all kinds of other stuff that the issue of religion or prayer is going to be the lowest priority on your ToDo list--if it even comes up.

Yeah, I realize there will be many more things for me to deal with in clinicals. I'm not really interested in arguing the existence of god(s) - I realize pretty much everyone is decided on that, and a forum discussion won't change minds. I'm just looking for advice on how I can prepare myself in case the situation arises. It is something that I know I have a visible reaction to, and, I'd like to consider the concerns of the patient first, and not offend them by my reactions. So, for the rare occasion (if any) that present itself, I want to see how other people deal with it.

I wouldn't really have thought of getting a Chaplain, and some people have come up with acceptable ways to simply avoid the discussion by getting one. They've mentioned "keeping people in their thoughts". I'm not to sure I can relate to the alternate definition of "prayer", as I still feel it relies on asking something of someone/something. Simply staying in a room to observe a personal moment of silence when someone wants to pray (with my presence), granted probably mentally stewing, may be in the best interests of the patient. I think there were some other suggestions that I'm neglecting to mention.

I'm hoping the work environment doesn't become 'hostile', but I figure just not discussing my peronsal opinions could avoid that. Sadly, I talk a lot about anything and everything, so I think that gives me something about myself that I should work on.

yousoldtheworld · Dec 23, 2008, 05:14 AM

I understand what you mean.

I too am pretty much an "open book" in my life and I enjoy discussing my views.

However, I have learned that it's easier to just keep discussion topics at work mostly work related. I usually work with more elderly people, and I know that some of them might take offense with my more liberal views and opinions.

On the rare occasion that a patient wants to talk about something religious or political, I try to acknowledge what they are saying to me without discussing my own thoughts on the matter. If it veers to something that truly makes me uncomfortable, I try to find a way to change the topic or excuse myself, such as saying "I will be right back, I need to *insert small task here*". Upon return, often the patient won't start back up on the topic. (Of course, this is assuming you aren't in the middle of something important with the patient!)

And, yes, the suggestion of getting a chaplain is a great one!

You'll find that all different kinds of people work in nursing. There's no reason that your personal views should be a hindrance to your success.

nurse901 · Dec 23, 2008, 06:49 AM

Wow very interesting question. I am a Christian but even I struggle with praying with others. I have never had to pray directly with a patient but when a patient has asked me to then I tell them I will, and I usually do later by myself. Whatever you do just don't lie to them, instead be honest. If they really need prayer then ask another nurse that would be comfortable praying with them. If you can't find another nurse then all you have to say is I am happy to get someone to pray with you, I will send the chaplain up to speak with you. Just don't ignore their request because faith is very important to people that are believers so just make sure you are sensitive to it.

rubystar · Dec 23, 2008, 07:07 AM

I'm in the same boat as you, I'm not religious in the slightest and call myself an atheist. I find religious stuff to be my idea of really strange.

Don't let it slip that you are an atheist to your patients, some people may not think very kindly of you for it. I've heard on very rare occasions of people who think nursing is only for the religious and how can somebody that doesn't believe in god want to care for somebody and it's not even worth going down that road. Say that you're non-denominational, that you don't have to go to church to pray, that it's a private matter. If somebody prays for you, thank them, its their way of doing things.

Atheos · Dec 23, 2008, 07:11 AM

Originally Posted by rubystar

Don't let it slip that you are an atheist to your patients, some people may not think very kindly of you for it. I've heard on very rare occasions of people who think nursing is only for the religious and how can somebody that doesn't believe in god want to care for somebody and it's not even worth going down that road.

I'd imagine any patient that is so intolerant as to even bring anything like this up won't need your support when it comes to prayer.

However, I agree that religion should be a private matter and if they ask you it is a very good answer to say that you believe 'Religion should be a private matter.'

As to patients not thinking kindly of us... Some of us get that because we are men, or black or both.

I don't think letting them add one more reason to dislike us is going to mater much.

*SuesquatchRN* · Dec 23, 2008, 07:20 AM

Originally Posted by Stanley-RN2B

I'd imagine any patient that is so intolerant as to even bring anything like this up won't need your support when it comes to prayer.

Actually, I live in a place in which atheism is simply not believed. It is inconceivable to people here that I simply don't believe. They wouldn't bring it up because it wouldn't occur to them that you don't believe in Jesus. (We have plenty of diversity - we have Protestants AND Catholics.)

Atheos · Dec 23, 2008, 07:28 AM

Originally Posted by SuesquatchRN

Actually, I live in a place in which atheism is simply not believed. It is inconceivable to people here that I simply don't believe. They wouldn't bring it up because it wouldn't occur to them that you don't believe in Jesus. (We have plenty of diversity - we have Protestants AND Catholics.)

ROFL. Where do you live??? I gotta know so I know NOT to move there. I'd cause quite a ruckus.

baldee · Dec 23, 2008, 07:42 AM

I pray for them!

And Stanley, you have an illegal name on this site unless you are an RN. Its posted in several places, but this new site is mixing me up daily so I can't direct you. I already have to perform at least one extra mouse-click to get to the latest posts of a thread