Things you've learned about patient's religions and care?

Nurses Spirituality

Published

Hi everyone.

Just wondering if any of you have experienced different requests by patients of different religions or declining care due to religion?

Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.
Trying to remember that the visitors cannot touch buttons on Friday to Saturday night, and they are often reluctant to ask assistance. We have staffers that initially do not realize that the kosher meals need to be heated inside the sealed package - microwaves are not kosher.

I'm just wondering the rationale behind both these rules. I'm not questioning why people would follow these rules, I'm just wondering what their reasoning it...Thanks!

Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.
I'm just wondering the rationale behind both these rules. I'm not questioning why people would follow these rules, I'm just wondering what their reasoning it...Thanks!

As far as the buttons, it is considered work - either initiating work or doing work. Obviously most nonOrhodox Jews do not adhere to that.

Public microwaves would obviously not be kosher as you cannot control what has been cooked in it - just like a pot or pan. And there is generally particulate matter left, that might be from nonkosher food. Orthodox actually keep different dishes/cooking supplies, and in some cases, separate dishwashers for meat vs diary products/utensils/dishes as they cannot be mixed (the biblically injunction of Thou shall not seeth the kid in the mother's milk). And Orthodox often follow stricter kosher rules, requiring food pass approval of certain certifying groups. Thus, facilities may purchase refrigerated/frozen meals for pts that require it. And those meals when heated in the microwave, are suppose to remain sealed during the process.

We recently changed and now have a fresh food service that is generally acceptable to even the strictest kosher law.

Some Orthodox will adhere to a vegetarian diet when hospitalized, to permit less complicated care. Barring Passover ( requiring eliminating yeast/products that have potentil for containing yeast - re: the Jews not being able to leaven their bread when fleeing Egypt) , strict vegetarian eating avoids nonkosher foods. And in our area, when an Orthodox pt is admitted, several local congregations go out of their way to insure that they have companions/small refrigerators, appropriate Sabbath/Holy day food and prep done.

Having said that, several of my southern visitors complained that my Pepsi tasted odd. I had to tell them that at my market I picked up what was available - Pepsi (kosher for passover - marked as KP on the bottle cap). The syrup is different d/t potential for fermentation/yeast formation.

In GA, wher there are fewer of us, I would get amused at some chain groceries. At ths time of the year, there would be large displays of Easter stuff, and the small table for a "Good Passover". Invariably, there would be products, matzoh and such that would be clearly marked "NOT KOSHER FOR PASSOVER" on some of the items on the table

Interesting. I appreciate the replies. It helps to know in advance things I may face. I will try not to put my :twocents: in but I will say I'm glad to hear of cases where CPS intervened in the benefit of the child since they are just that. A child.

just something to add re: orthodox jews. there is a prohibition to "create" anything on Saturday (aka shabbat) because that is when god rested after he created the world. it's not really a work vs. non-work issue, but rather an issue of creating something. that's why its ok to walk up and down a crazy amount of stairs (even though it might seem to be a lot of work).

so, regarding elevators, turning on a light switch, and the like, using them means that you are potentially "creating" a fire from a small electric spark that might be generated from the switch. Also, when using electricity, one is creating/building an electric current - which is prohibited.

anyways, that is the main reason orthodox jews do not/can't/won't use an elevator or turn on/off a light switch. another thing regarding patient care - men and women usually do not touch people of the opposite sex due to modesty issues - so that has the potential to create a problem (but in some cases, this custom is disregarding when trying to save a life).

Specializes in ED, ICU, Education.

I went to nursing school in an area surrounded by indian reservations (Blackfoot and Ojibway). Both my school and the local hospital had "smudging areas" inside. They were areas designated for smudgung to be practiced (smoking sage and cleansing the soul) that were well ventilated and had special fire alarms that weren't sensitive to smoke.

I thought it was cool.

Specializes in LTC.

I work in an area that has several Indian reservations and I have several Navajo coworkers. If anyone passes away the Navajo cannot help in preparing the body because they cannot touch the dead. Also thought it was interesting when one of my friends was pregnant she had several rules during the pregnancy: she couldn't watch or see violence (it could cause some type of deformity), couldn't play with strings or anything like it (belief that the cord will wrap around the baby's head), and other rules of the like which I can't remember off-hand at the moment.

Also thought it was interesting when one of my friends was pregnant she had several rules during the pregnancy: she couldn't watch or see violence (it could cause some type of deformity), couldn't play with strings or anything like it (belief that the cord will wrap around the baby's head), and other rules of the like which I can't remember off-hand at the moment.

You reminded me of a funeral I went to when I was little. There was a neighbor that was pregnant and she had to tie a red string on her finger before attending. Not sure what religion it was or what the belief was specifically but I remember questioning it and them telling me pregnant women should do that to prevent harm.

Yes. My family members are Jehovah's Witnesses (JWs). They would literally die rather than have blood transfused.

If you're asking re dilmemmas, with the JWs here in Oz at least, an urgent court order can be obtained to transfuse blood into either a very confused/psychotic patient or with children. JWs here are not allowed to dictate their children's care here when it comes to life saving procedures. The doctors can and will override parents wishes - I've seen it happen.

With muslim patients, saw one get very upset when given ham - they're Halal so don't eat it. He didn't eat it, his wife just spotted that it was ham. We had to fill out incident reports, ring down to the kitchen, report to the NM in charge that night - what a carry on. We didn't really have time for it TBH. I don't know why they are Halal - and I don't want to get into any religious arguments etc - but it we wasted so much time with this man and his wife over this, when we had other, sicker people to care for. It was all blown out of proportion and was ridiculous.

I've known a staff member (years ago) who didn't call a dying patients priest or confessor (can't remember their title/religion now) and got sacked because the dying patient never saw their priest before they died. Mind you, the staff member was probably very busy - funny how no-one takes that into account.

I believe you got it wrong, ham is NOT halal. It is not permissible to eat ham. I dont understand why it had to be reported. As a muslim, if I had accidentally eaten ham, I would take it for what it was- an accident. I wouldnt want the nurses to be running around about it and delay care to those that needed it. I do, however think that in this day and age most everyone should know that muslims to do not consume ham/pork.

Ps. this reply is not meant as an argument but as clarification and facts.:D

Hare Krishna's are always vegetarian- no meat, no fish and no eggs.:D They do not want you to touch their feet.

When you touch someone's feet- you are giving that person some of your karma. They don't want your karma.;)

Hare Krishna's are always vegetarian- no meat, no fish and no eggs.:D They do not want you to touch their feet.

When you touch someone's feet- you are giving that person some of your karma. They don't want your karma.;)

But I have GOOD karma! I promise...LoL...Kidding.

very interesting.

+ Add a Comment