Religion Needed to be a Good Nurse?

Nurses Spirituality

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You are reading page 26 of Religion Needed to be a Good Nurse?

Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.
Wow..exactly which sins are you trying not to commit?
between you and Merlyn I almost lost my cup of coffee through my nose... with your quotes ;)... However, during my years of nursing I have had to fill many hats and religion has been one of many with my patients. Although, I don't share my own opinions, I will read them whatever they need to comfort them at their time of need.

subee, MSN, CRNA

1 Article; 5,430 Posts

Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.

Religion is about as necessary as a EE cup brasize.

Merlyn

852 Posts

Specializes in none.
Spiritual care is part of nursing scope of practice. Refer to NANDA for your nursing diagnosis

and care plans which can serve as guidance for you and/or patients in this area.

Your instructor was not mis-speaking....she was doing what she was suppose to do, teach new nurses.:-)

That being said, after you graduate and seek employment you will probably not have

much difficulty finding a place to work where no spirituality is practiced and where if it is,

disregard even persecution follows.

I recently made a social services referral on new admit for palliative care (who requested)

to see a Priest and it was totally blown off by DON and SS. I was told she "receives

plenty of social interaction."....well 3 days later she died without having request met.

Anyways, very best to you and hope, maybe NANDA will offer you some awareness in this area.[/QUOT

The DON and Social Service had both denied this person's Civil Rights. It was her right to see a priest. Social Interaction? These Nut Jobs need a course in Civil Liberties. If this had happen to one of my Catholic relatives. I would do a miracle right before the DON and SS eyes. I would raise Holy Hell with Law suits all around.

czyja, MSN, RN

469 Posts

Specializes in Critical Care, Progressive Care.

Wow Merlyn- how horrid.Here in California, providing spiritual care is a requirement for acute care hospitals.Couldn't you have just called the Chaplin and made the request?

Karen

79 Posts

Totally agree

Merlyn

852 Posts

Specializes in none.
Wow Merlyn- how horrid.Here in California, providing spiritual care is a requirement for acute care hospitals.Couldn't you have just called the Chaplin and made the request?

It was not my original post. The OP, Kashia was relating the story of a dying patient who requested to see a priest. The DON and SS refused the request. The patient died three days later without last rites. I was referring what I would have done if I found out that one of my family had died without last rites. I always called the chaplain without consulting anyone. Never had a problem. My knee jerk reaction comes from my Irish temper,which has mellowed over the years. Some what.

julianp

23 Posts

To the original topic question, No.

Merlyn

852 Posts

Specializes in none.
no, but you absolutely must have a bsn. :D

i am totally just kidding (ducks rocks hurling at me :).) feeling kinda wicked today ;).

no - you don't need religion to be a good nurse.

i'm an atheist and have been a nurse for 41 years. religion has new been an issue with me. it doesn't matter what i believe, it matters what the patient believes. it's like the med count with me. i can leave anyone's belief on the nursing unit. i care, not because i can get into heaven, but because caring makes me feel good.

Asystole RN

2,352 Posts

I'm an atheist and have been a nurse for 41 years. Religion has new been an issue with me. It doesn't matter what I believe, it matters what the patient believes. It's like the med count with me. I can leave anyone's belief on the nursing unit. I care, not because I can get into Heaven, but because caring makes me feel good.

Far too often nurses think that their faith, values, and morals must guide the nurse-patient relationship. They fail to see that the only faith, values, and morals that matter are those of the patient's.

Specializes in Surgical Specialty Clinic - Ambulatory Care.

No, religion is not a requirement to be a good nurse....heck spirtuality isn't either. Compassion is a requirement. Unfortunatly if a religious or spiritual patient requests that you be with them when they pray and you come out and say you aren't religious (or more offending...that you are not a Christian) then the comfort you built with the patient can disapate very quickly. The tension will then make them uncomfortable and in their minds make you look less compassionate.

Since I am not religious or spirtual I don't find it hard to hold someone's hand while they pray or be part of their spirtuality. I look at it as a form of comfort I am providing for them that has nothing to do with my beliefs.

However, if you are uncomfortable with a patient's religious practices and do not wish to participate then I would just make up some excuse as to why you can't stay long enough to accomplish their spirtual fulfilment invovling you. "Oh, I'm sorry that I can't do that with you right now. I have to _______. But this is certianly something that must be done for you and I'll make sure that happens today." Then call the chaplin if you have one available or, if your night shift, try to find a nurse or aid that is that patient's religion or spiritual enough to assist the patient with their needs.

In the past I was more resistant to assisting patients with this because I felt that it encroached on my beliefs. I spoke up about it to a few patients and co-workers and got hell for it. Now I just nod, smile, and say nothing unless asked directly about my beliefs.

gcupid

512 Posts

You don't have to be religious or even compassionate to be a good nurse. The best nurses are probably hardcore ^*+

Godisthere

31 Posts

I agree 100% with you Timothy!!

What you just described, espescially in No.2, is soooo true...

Thanks for standing up:) I'm 100% with you....

God Bless

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