I Love being a Christian Nurse

PetsToPeople · Apr 12, 2012

I love caring for people no matter who they are, because we are so much more than the title we are given, whether it be christian, agnostic or whatever, although it seems that many people try soooo very hard to only be limited to their title.

**CalicoKitty, BSN, MSN, RN** · Apr 12, 2012

I always wonder what being a "Christian" anything really brings to the table. Believing that someone died for your sins is fine, but I think that's about the only thing that separates a "Christian" from any other moral or ethical person. Being kind, gentle, caring, empathetic, compassionate, and other positive attributes are found in most respectable nurses. Theists believe there are one or more deities out there, some "all-powerful", but I'm not sure what the belief in a super-being brings to the nursing table, either.

I do agree from a previous poster that having a religious upbringing can help you care for those members from the particular religion. I accept I am unfamiliar with many rituals from various religions, and that gives me many opportunities to learn about them.

But, if someone else can help me understand how their being Christian somehow makes their nursing different than all others, I'm interested.

PetsToPeople · Apr 12, 2012

Also, usually when someone goes out of the way to state that they treat everyone the same, they don't.

And from my personal experiance, those are usually the people who call themselves "christian".

cally527, RN · Apr 12, 2012

So......what topics ARE kosher to talk about on the Nursing and Spirituality board? Scrub patterns? Hot cocoa recipes? Gardening?

All I know is I was taught to never discuss religion, politics or money! All three topic tend to bring out very passionate opinions and can quickly turn a discussion into a nasty argument.

Wild Irish LPN, LPN · Apr 12, 2012

I agree that the title, using the words "Christian Nurse" can be off putting....I know I was brought to nursing for a reason, a calling if you will....I am not necessarily a religious type, but very spiritual....I feel personally fulfilled by helping and counseling others when they are at the weakest, that is my payoff....maybe the title could have read, "Nursing feeds my soul" would have more appeal and be more universally accepted....I am glad you are happy though!....Peace...

TopazLover, BSN, RN · Apr 12, 2012

But, if someone else can help me understand how their being Christian somehow makes their nursing different than all others, I'm interested.

The thought crossed my mind that many sects of Christianity focus on the aspects of being shame based. I am not sure that makes the nursing different but it might require more work from the nurse who was raised in this atmosphere to remain non-judgmental in some situations. If one is following Jesus' teachings it is not difficult to care for sinners. If one is raised in a very restrictive Christian way I suspect it is more difficult for them to be accepting of people with drug addiction, prostitution, and some other medical and social issues.

There are other religions and others without religion who may not have these constraints to fight in order to provide quality service.

mads1mom · Apr 12, 2012

I thought this thread was going to be about pastoral care...I feel disappointed and mislead.

allnurses Guide · Apr 12, 2012

Maybe the OP was responding to some of the posts in different threads referring to the frequent mentions of giving God the glory for passing tests, etc. It has a somewhat unusual tone without that context to place it in. If it is seen in that light it's more understandable, is in the right forum, and doesn't take on other members directly for comments they might consider offensive to their beliefs.

Nurse-One · Apr 12, 2012

I love being a christian nurse and as a overall individual myself.

kikijo · Apr 12, 2012

I too was interested from the post and began to read EVERYONES postings. I find it hard to believe how judgmental some can be. "I Love Being a Christian Nurse" simply tells me who the person is. Does it make a difference in their nursing? I can't say and would not comment as if I did know. I can only comment for myself.... I can say I love being a Christian Nurse or a Nurse who is Christian. I am sad that the original poster has come under attack.. as many posts seem to.

As I said I can only speak for myself......

After I was diagnosed with a brain tumor; told I was not a candidate for surgery I prayed ALOT and asked God to direct me to my next path. The more time spent in the clinic, and talking with other patients the more drawn I was to nursing. It was then I quit my job and began nursing school. 1/2 way through my LPN schooling they found a hemorrhage around my tumor and decided that I was now a great candidate for surgery. They bumped up my surgery & the Minister was in with another

patient; my mom and I were about to pray when the nurse came in. I asked if she would like to join she declined (no problem) but then she added her two cents (as many have on here) "I don't know why people bother, the doctor is the one

who is holding your life in his hands; but if you must can you do it quickly so we can get you to the OR" I was shocked....After my surgery I finished school. And for the past 5 years I have worked as an LPN and graduated with my ADN.

Does being a "Christian" impact my nursing? I believe it does... I accept everyone! I love and have understanding for everyone and will do the best for my patient and all works I do I do in the name of the Lord. God has brought me down this path in my life and granted me the knowledge and abilities needed to care for ALL my patients. NOT JUST OTHER CHRISTIANS! If I have a patient who asks me to pray with them I will. If they are of a different religion and ask if I will take part in a "prayer" or custom which provides them comfort pre, post or during their stay I will. I DO NOT push my beliefs onto others. I DO NOT wave a flag around intending to offend. Do I pray in public? YES! Do I pray for my patients? YES! Do I believe in the power of prayer? Yes! Do some that I work with think this is odd? YES! When i have times of trouble..I can pray to God for anything and know i have help. Do they accept me as I accept them? YES! Why? Because we respect each other. I make it a point to review my clients religious status on record and let them know of services offered; I have also taken classes on many different religious customs as well as different ethnic customs so I can be a better well rounded open minded nurse to my patients. I also donate my time and nursing skills to different organizations and charities. I believe that with my beliefs it makes me a better person, more well rounded and the ability to give quality healhcare to my patients.

George Bernard Shaw said “There is only one religion, though there are a hundred versions of it.”

Here is an interesting link about spirituality and health care The role of spirituality in health care

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Apr 12, 2012

I love being a nurse. I love it that I am spiritual, open minded and religion and religious views intrigue me. Being a nurse and a spiritual person are not mutally exclusive, as I try to practice without my own outside beliefs fogging up the agenda. It is about the patient. And I believe that ethically I need to support the patient's spiritual and emotional needs, whatever they may be or not be, not my own. I do that when I am not at work.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Apr 12, 2012

I too was interested from the post and began to read EVERYONES postings. I find it hard to believe how judgmental some can be. "I Love Being a Christian Nurse" simply tells me who the person is. Does it make a difference in their nursing? I can't say and would not comment as if I did know. I can only comment for myself.... I can say I love being a Christian Nurse or a Nurse who is Christian. I am sad that the original poster has come under attack.. as many posts seem to.
As I said I can only speak for myself......
After I was diagnosed with a brain tumor; told I was not a candidate for surgery I prayed ALOT and asked God to direct me to my next path. The more time spent in the clinic, and talking with other patients the more drawn I was to nursing. It was then I quit my job and began nursing school. 1/2 way through my LPN schooling they found a hemorrhage around my tumor and decided that I was now a great candidate for surgery. They bumped up my surgery & the Minister was in with another
patient; my mom and I were about to pray when the nurse came in. I asked if she would like to join she declined (no problem) but then she added her two cents (as many have on here) "I don't know why people bother, the doctor is the one
who is holding your life in his hands; but if you must can you do it quickly so we can get you to the OR" I was shocked....After my surgery I finished school. And for the past 5 years I have worked as an LPN and graduated with my ADN.
Does being a "Christian" impact my nursing? I believe it does... I accept everyone! I love and have understanding for everyone and will do the best for my patient and all works I do I do in the name of the Lord. God has brought me down this path in my life and granted me the knowledge and abilities needed to care for ALL my patients. NOT JUST OTHER CHRISTIANS! If I have a patient who asks me to pray with them I will. If they are of a different religion and ask if I will take part in a "prayer" or custom which provides them comfort pre, post or during their stay I will. I DO NOT push my beliefs onto others. I DO NOT wave a flag around intending to offend. Do I pray in public? YES! Do I pray for my patients? YES! Do I believe in the power of prayer? Yes! Do some that I work with think this is odd? YES! When i have times of trouble..I can pray to God for anything and know i have help. Do they accept me as I accept them? YES! Why? Because we respect each other. I make it a point to review my clients religious status on record and let them know of services offered; I have also taken classes on many different religious customs as well as different ethnic customs so I can be a better well rounded open minded nurse to my patients. I also donate my time and nursing skills to different organizations and charities. I believe that with my beliefs it makes me a better person, more well rounded and the ability to give quality healthcare to my patients.
George Bernard Shaw said “There is only one religion, though there are a hundred versions of it.”
Here is an interesting link about spirituality and health care The role of spirituality in health care

That was beautifully said......Thank you so much for sharing. :hug:

I am sad :sniff: that so many have chosen to attack the OP. I thought as nurses we are taught to be tolerant and respectful of others beliefs, even when in conflict of our own. Just because someone bows their head to pray doesn't mean they are trying to offend those who don't believe. If this is what the OP believes then let them believe. It is a public forum as they are entitled to their opinion and belief system.

If the OP feels disappointed by their first exposure to the real world of nursing she is not alone. Ashley, a thoughtful An contributor, gave the OP some very thoughtful advice and the OP decided that she was being tested and is proud of her beliefs. Aren't we all at one time or another disillusioned with what we thought nursing should be? We all have to find what makes us do this everyday......even if it just the paycheck. I mean isn't Money some peoples religion.

So many times we are accused of eating out young......and example of fullfilling this was just witnessed and many just gobbled up the OP. :cry:

If this is what make the OP's clock tick, then all the power to her. Who we are , What we are influences what we do. The OP was not liking her job because of the backstabbing mannerisms of those around her and then many just acted the same way. May be this is why we are viewed as eating our young.

I embrace all religions, all beliefs. I am respectful of one's beliefs as long as it doesn't require sacrificing virgins (or non virgins) or harming children. I bow my head and pray when I am sad and when I see sad/tragic things. I am very spiritual but not overtly religious. I have been on trauma rescues when I had whispered "Oh dear GOD, please help me" Do I think I will see a hand physically appear and come from the heavens reach down and lift is magically from the burning car? Not really.

Have I ever witnessed a miracle......Yes.