Losing my religion

Ah, the lively religious debate. As nurses, we all take care of a multitude of patients, all with specific, and sometimes not so specific, emotional/spiritual needs. And unless one works within a religious entity, here's my take on why a nurse's own religion needs to stay in the nurse's personal life. Nurses Spirituality Article

You are reading page 10 of Losing my religion

Elle23

415 Posts

I feel certain that Jesus can handle the vagaries of conversation with it's shorthand and euphemisms. He knows what is in our hearts so we don't need to get offended on His behalf.[/quote']

It is not a matter of what Jesus can handle. It is a matter of respect and reverence.

Elle23

415 Posts

WOW. Do they at least make this abundantly clear to the public before they sign up for hospice services, that they are signing up to be converted??

I'm not exactly sure how it works. I just know what I have read on the website.

Personally, I think it is wonderful, and if I ever get to do hospice (which is my ultimate goal), that is the company I want to work for.. one that is not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

allnurses Guide

nursel56

7,078 Posts

Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
It is not a matter of what Jesus can handle. It is a matter of respect and reverence.

Respect and reverence for who?

GrumpyRN, NP

1,280 Posts

Specializes in Emergency Department.

For those who asked, here is the reference to the prayer study, note it is American and please read the conclusion.

Elsevier

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide

VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN

22 Articles; 9,987 Posts

Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

So......what does that prove?

I usually don't post in these threads, but here I go anyway...

I haven't read the entire study because it will cost about $32 that I don't have right now, but from what I can access, it indicates that intercessory prayer is associated with higher incidence of complications from the surgery. However, this is one study. If there are more studies about prayer and health outcomes out there, I'd like to read them. The study was also done at six different hospitals. I think it's fair to say that there are far too many variables involved with all the patients' post-op care to imply that intercessory prayer makes things worse. Perhaps if I had access (or if someone with access could relay the info) to the whole study, we'd have a better idea of how the study was set up.

SaoirseRN

650 Posts

Whether or not you believe in God or another deity, we all know that positive attitude can have a great effect on one's ability to get through a difficult situation. Thinking "positive thoughts", as it were. Prayer, while also having religious meaning, is also a type of positive thinking, is it not?

EDIT: I am reasponding to the person speaking about prayer having a negative effect, not advocating for active unsolicited praying.

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B

9 Articles; 4,800 Posts

Whether or not you believe in God or another deity, we all know that positive attitude can have a great effect on one's ability to get through a difficult situation. Thinking "positive thoughts", as it were. Prayer, while also having religious meaning, is also a type of positive thinking, is it not?

That may be true, however, it is up to the patient should they want to "think positive thoughts" or pray, or practice whatever spiritual or non-spiritual things they would like to. The nurse can certainly think positive, pray, whatever they would like to, but in private. It is not the time nor the place to reflect on ones own religious beliefs when caring for a patient who may have a completely different view than the nurse's own.

SaoirseRN

650 Posts

That may be true however, it is up to the patient should they want to "think positive thoughts" or pray, or practice whatever spiritual or non-spiritual things they would like to. The nurse can certainly think positive, pray, whatever they would like to, but in private. It is not the time nor the place to reflect on ones own religious beliefs when caring for a patient who may have a completely different view than the nurse's own.[/quote']

Oh I completely agree! I should have clarified that I was responding to the poster who claimed people who were prayed for did worse. I don't believe the nurses should actively pray for people who don't ask (essentially I am agreeing with the OP).

GrumpyRN, NP

1,280 Posts

Specializes in Emergency Department.
Prayer, while also having religious meaning, is also a type of positive thinking, is it not?

We are not talking about positive thoughts though, we are talking about 'prayer' as in asking for something or hoping that something hears them.

GrumpyRN, NP

1,280 Posts

Specializes in Emergency Department.
So......what does that prove?

What does what prove?

I have given you a reference to a study - take it or leave it.

SaoirseRN

650 Posts

We are not talking about positive thoughts though we are talking about 'prayer' as in asking for something or hoping that something hears them.[/quote']

Yeah, I understand that. Thanks, captain.