Religion in the work place

I am an atheist and keep my religious views private, so I have not encountered it being a problem. I have held hands and prayed with patients before, nodded along encouragingly while they've talked about their own beliefs, and read from the Bible, but in most cases I refer them to the chaplain and allow them to work in their role of spiritual advisor for the patient. That's what the chaplain is there for, and they are a great resource.

I've been cornered a couple of times when a patient has asked me directly about my religious beliefs, and I normally counter with a question such as, "Are you interested in talking with the chaplain?" or "What's on your mind about religion?" 9 times out of 10, the patient wants affirmation and to be heard out, not to intimately discuss the merits of various religions.

As far as co-workers are concerned, it's really none of their business and I tend to stay away from those conversations. No need to get into a debate or face judgment in an already highly stressful workplace.

I'm a spiritual person who believes in God and the power of prayer, but I do not actively belong to any single religion.

Anyhow, I live in a Bible Belt state and am constantly being asked which church I attend. Around here, it is automatically assumed that everyone is religious and a practicing Southern Baptist.

I am not religious... the only time I ever had a problem was during the 2008 election when a former co-worker told me that A) Obama is a Muslim and B) All Muslims want to kill all non-Muslims. She then told me I was lucky to have survived when I informed her that I had a number of close friends from the Middle East. My head nearly exploded from the conversation.

This was at a large hospital that served patients from all over the world... I took care of MANY Muslim patients in my time there. It was quite disturbing to hear that a nurse at this institution was so bigoted against all Muslims in that sense....

I am a practicing Catholic with an active, vigorous faith in my Lord and Savior, and I am proud to profess that faith wherever I go. However, it's not my job as a nurse to talk about my faith with patients, let alone try to convert them. When I am at work, my job is to provide them with the competent care and the compassion they need, and to make the healthcare experience about them, not me.

Yes, I've prayed for patients, with patients, even over patients, but only when they request it and only when I'm comfortable providing spiritual care. I would never presume to know what goes on during a Muslim prayer service or a pagan ritual, so I would have to find someone who does know about non-Christian religious rites; but I would never disrespect a patient's religion or lack thereof. While I love attending a baptism and thinking "Yay, we got another one for our side!" it's not up to me to make those choices for the patients in my care. Makes things pretty simple, don't you think?

From my experience here in the U.S. if you are asked by someone at work, especially a manager, ask them first if they are a "christian" and if they say "yes", then respond with "well so am I" and if they are some other religion, you can be otherwise honest. btw, I am a buddhist.