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

Nurses Spirituality

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chrisrn24

905 Posts

I would be deeply offended if a professor told me to pray or spoke of religion in a non-nursing school "lets learn about different religions" context.

Specializes in Gerontology RN-BC and FNP MSN student.

Yes I realize this. I will heed the advice. Thanks again.

Specializes in Gerontology RN-BC and FNP MSN student.

I'm greatful for this site. And I feel its priceless. Thanks to everyone who responded♥

Katie71275

947 Posts

Specializes in L&D.

I just graduated and we as students prayed before each test The teachers prayed with us. It wasn't anything that they started, but we would call them "announcements".

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!

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Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN

6 Articles; 11,658 Posts

Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
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!

There is a time and place in which to share your faith if you feel you must. Inside a classroom where you are to be instructing nursing students is not that place. Religion is not appropriate in all settings. Please respect those of us who would rather spend class and work time on class and work.

green34

444 Posts

I wouldn't bring religion into it, but do pay attention to when your students are down. When we all did horrible on a test, my instructor had us a do a time out for part of the clinical shift because of how upset we were.

As an atheist, I would be become more frustrated if an instructor suggested I pray for a test. Giving me worthwhile tips on how to study would be a far more helpful than telling me how to pray to a being that I do not believe in. I would stay away from the subject with a 10 foot pole unless the student brings it up. Maybe see if there is a Christian Student Nurse group that you could mentor students in, but do not do it during class time where students cannot choose whether they spend their time with you.

Specializes in Peds, Float, Ambulatory, Telemetry (new).

I had a teacher doing this...spent nearly 30 minutes on the subject and I thought it was inappropriate. I am a SDA (Christian) and I didn't like it. God did help me through nursing school, but if I want to be preached to, I will go to church for that. Thanks for asking and not just doing it. As other posters said, it may cause issues in the classroom.

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traumaRUs, MSN, APRN

88 Articles; 21,249 Posts

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I respectfully disagree that an instructor should be bringing religion into the classroom. I would be incensed and writing a letter to the dean if any of my instructors had done any of this. I am paying for an education, not a religion lesson.

Specializes in Gerontology RN-BC and FNP MSN student.
I wouldn't bring religion into it, but do pay attention to when your students are down. When we all did horrible on a test, my instructor had us a do a time out for part of the clinical shift because of how upset we were.

As an atheist, I would be become more frustrated if an instructor suggested I pray for a test. Giving me worthwhile tips on how to study would be a far more helpful than telling me how to pray to a being that I do not believe in. I would stay away from the subject with a 10 foot pole unless the student brings it up. Maybe see if there is a Christian Student Nurse group that you could mentor students in, but do not do it during class time where students cannot choose whether they spend their time with you.

Great Advice! Thanks All!

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nursel56

7,078 Posts

Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
Hi all! I am a new clinical nursing instructor and am wondering how to drop hints if possible about having faith. Especially as these are future nurses. I know that carrying the love of Christ shines bright and that in of itself is pretty awesome and an awesome testimony. Occasionally when they get stressed out about exams ill say..." besides studying now would be a great time to learn how to pray about things that concern you...and trust God. "

I think that if you have faith such that you are asking a question like this you won't need to drop hints. People are very perceptive about things like that, especially as the person who holds the power over their success or failure in their nursing school clinicals. It could end up shooting their stress levels skyward (the opposite of what you intend) if they think even for a moment that students who share your religion are looked at more favorably - even if it is subconscious on your part or overly paranoid on theirs.

swansonplace

789 Posts

You know, I have a handful of professors that just stand out in my mind, and believe it they all had strong religious convictions. I know that professors are not suppose to preach, but let me tell you that little bit of caring that my professors showed really made a big difference to me.

One professor, had set up a community health fair at her church. It was no problem with the school nor with the students. She was not our professor, but she was involved in the arrangement. We went and put in lots of community hours in a day which was great for me, and she arranged it at the most perfect nonstress time. I really enjoyed helping her to help her community to be healthy, and it helped us too since we gave assessments and our knowledge to individuals that otherwise would not get the help.

Another professor of mine, taught by example. I knew she was religious, but when she helped me with no impatience I could see a great difference in her. I was behind in my skills, and she would patiently walk me through the skills I needed. I ended up doing every skill, and I was so glad for the patience she showed me and help given. It was such a great example.

So I guess the classroom is not a place to preach, but students do watch and listen. We learn by your example, and yes, we do remember what was taught.

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