How to drop subtle hints with my nursing students about faith.

Nurses Spirituality

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Inori, BSN, RN

396 Posts

Specializes in Ambulatory care.

Don't do it as others said: 1.) get fired, 2.) **** off others 3.) it just ain professional 4.) to each thier own. you're a nurse not a preacher which you can do on the side on weekends . We're teaching students to be culturally aware, transcultural which is being aware of different religious beliefs so we are more respectful of others beliefss without inadvertently trampling on it. so please as a professor practice what you teach do not impose your religious beliefs on to your students. And personal and professional life should always be separate

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Put the shoe on the other foot. How upset would YOU be if your nursing instructor dropped "hints" about their faith or values system that didn't match yours? I'm a student in MN and there was a brief, thankfully benign incident where an instructor told a gay student how disappointed she was that the constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage didn't pass. Luckily, she recovered well, and the student in question is not a boat rocker and is generally pretty mellow. That could have gotten ugly real fast. I do have instructors who mention going to church, ect, or things they went to do that are faith-based in conversation, and that is totally fine. What is NOT fine is seeking students out to suggest how they should cope with the stresses of nursing school. Trust me when I tell you that the students who want that kind of input will seek you out. On our campus, the professors that are "allies" have a sticker on their doors. It's never brought up, never solicited, never offered. We all know what it means. And I have one instructor who had an Obama pin in a place in her office that I don't think anyone else would have thought to look. And even then I would be super careful. Nursing students are super sweet until something doesn't go their way, and then they're hell-demons. It's all fun and games until someone gets kicked out because of bad clinical performance or not being able to cut it academically. Trust me when I tell you they will make a federal case out of you "sharing" your faith. More likely than not they won't get anywhere, but do you even want to go there?[/quote']

^This is a excellent point and example. :yes:

joanna73, BSN, RN

4,767 Posts

Specializes in geriatrics.

I'm all for positivity and role modelling good behaviours to encourage people. However, you're there to guide them in nursing, not prayerr. Not everyone believes in God or wants to hear about it. As an instructor, you'll need to be objective and suspend those values.

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

I wanted to address the suggestion that expressing one's faith at a religious school.

I attended a Christian-Brother school who did not make their curriculum "Faith-based"; rather, the teachings included the examples that swansonplace stated...including investing in community, the hopeless and the helpless those values transcended culture and religion, and not mutually exclusive to religion. Even though the teachings and university's mission is based on a Christian monk, and we have to take religion, it was not "preaching" to the students. In fact, it was NOT recommended and not allowed in our coursework.

I wanted to put out there that even at certain religious schools, even affirmation and sharing of one's faith is not allowed as much as in a non-denominational school.

I understand your faith is a HUGE part in who you are; I am sure you are leading by example for your students effectively. :)

joanna73, BSN, RN

4,767 Posts

Specializes in geriatrics.
Christians should be sharing their faith and I think it would be wonderful if you encouraged your students to pray. You can also pray for your students in your quiet time each day.

To the other poster: which did you go to school? It sounds great!

I respect all cultures and religions, even those that are different from mine. To each his own. However, please remember that Christians don't have a corner on the market.

Would Christians appreciate me preaching my Aeithest views? Somehow, I doubt that. Religion and spirituality does not necessarily require sharing.

manusko

611 Posts

Specializes in critcal care, CRNA.

In the context of students asking what are ways to alleviate stress or test anxiety, you can mention ways alleviate that stress. You can say some people exercise, vent with others, meditate and some pray. I don't see a problem with it in this context. I pray before tests to help calm me. I have done this since nursing school and through anesthesia school. A little longer before boards. It helps me relax.

Specializes in Gerontology RN-BC and FNP MSN student.

Yes I now realize I was WAY off. I am aware just because my walk with God has been amazing....doesn't mean I have to draw on it to give/promote to others. I will teach and support nursing skills. They're there to learn and be comfortable and be encourage in their abilties. And their choice of faith or no faith is between them and whosoever they choose or not choose. Its none of my business and my faith walk is noone elses business. Keep it on the task at hand!! I am so grateful for the support and advice that Allnurses.com provides. I have only made that one comment and it was while walking to our cars after clinicals and I was approached by two students that were geting nervous over exams. I even said that's what I've done in my schooling is prayed it thru... I've even listened to book of Proverbs( wisdom)on audiobible while sleeping and have never recieved less than above perfect score( including all possible points and extra credit) in every class. This is my story not yours... it worked for me. But I am new -I asked and am heeding the advice. No Harm done No foul. Thanks so much for responding I am regrounded. We need eachother.Happy Nursing!

Nurse2BeInGA

52 Posts

I get annoyed when professors spend half the class talking about their spouses, children, grandchildren, hobbies, etc. Religion would fall into that same category of wasted time when they should be spending teaching content that I will be responsible for knowing.

manusko

611 Posts

Specializes in critcal care, CRNA.

I have had many instructors introduce themselves ad tell us about where they went to school and some tell us a little about their family. I think it makes them look more human to us and we meet people who went through school in similar situations at us. Which shows us that it can be done. These have been both nurses and doctors. Never thought anything of it.

KelRN215, BSN, RN

1 Article; 7,349 Posts

Specializes in Pedi.

I went to a Jesuit University and I'd have been incredibly put off if a nursing instructor tried to drop subtle hints about faith or told me that I should pray more.

Though there were crucifixes in every classroom and one of the most well known of our nursing faculty members is a nun, I don't ever recall a professor (even the professor of the theology class I was required to take) suggesting that we should pray. There was probably a prayer said at graduation (but not at our nursing pinning ceremony or the individual school of nursing graduation) but it was so insignificant to me that I don't remember it. If you want to pray with college students, perhaps look into Campus Ministry or leading retreats. Nursing clinicals is NOT the place for it.

Specializes in Gerontology RN-BC and FNP MSN student.

Incredibly put off if an instructor dropped hints on praying while attending a Jesuit college? Really? It seems I wouldn't be moved so much in that situation.

Specializes in Gerontology RN-BC and FNP MSN student.
I have had many instructors introduce themselves ad tell us about where they went to school and some tell us a little about their family. I think it makes them look more human to us and we meet people who went through school in similar situations at us. Which shows us that it can be done. These have been both nurses and doctors. Never thought anything of it.

I like this too. Yes we are all human. An introduction is good and leaving other details of my personal life out of classroom/clinicals after the introduction sounds like the plan.

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