When Is It Appropriate to Share Faith at Work?: One Nurse's Story

This article will discuss my personal views on when it is appropriate to share your faith at work. Religion can be a touchy subject for many. Some are offended when you mention religion. Others are comforted. Where is there balance in this? Let's discuss this further. Nurses Announcements Archive Article

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Liddle Noodnik

3,789 Posts

Specializes in Alzheimer's, Geriatrics, Chem. Dep..

Times like these stories, this is when I believe it is appropriate to share. When the patient starts the dialogue. If it is started by the nurse and the patient is not a believer I think it can come across as unwelcomed. We as Christians are to go about the world spreading the good news. But I believe this should be done on our own time, not our employers.

What about you? Do you like to share with your patients? Any thoughts?

It's funny because when it happens to me, *I* feel like the one who is supported. I'm sure they do too but I really feel blessed :)

Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

I am a nurse and have been for 8 years. I know this..if I am ever a patient and nurse utters one word about god, allah, buddha, or Santee Claus when I am a patient, I will tell them to leave my room immediately and would write them up before they were out of the room.

leslie :-D

11,191 Posts

i've worked with the dying most of my nsg career...

and have been the recipient of many, many bedside confessions.

many of these folks were fundamental Christians...

and a few of these people were paralyzed with fear, convinced they were going to hell.

it was at these times, that i would share my (non-denominational and spiritual) beliefs...

including but not ltd to, my non-belief of God's wrath.

i do believe i brought a lot of reassurance to these people as death drew near.

other than to try and comfort those who were suffering, i have never shared my beliefs...

regardless if pts brought it up or not.

to me, nsg is supportive in nature and generally speaking, don't see why or how religion should be a part of that role.

leslie

nursefrances, BSN, RN

1 Article; 601 Posts

Specializes in Ambulatory Surgery, Ophthalmology, Tele.
I am a nurse and have been for 8 years. I know this..if I am ever a patient and nurse utters one word about god, allah, buddha, or Santee Claus when I am a patient, I will tell them to leave my room immediately and would write them up before they were out of the room.

Not even .....Santa? :nailbiting:

Just kidding. ;)

stephanie.

457 Posts

Well sharing faith means preaching the Gospel to unbelievers. Talking about God with some one who already knows Jesus does not mean sharing faith.[/quote']

Totally disagree.

stephanie.

457 Posts

I am a nurse and have been for 8 years. I know this..if I am ever a patient and nurse utters one word about god allah, buddha, or Santee Claus when I am a patient, I will tell them to leave my room immediately and would write them up before they were out of the room.[/quote']

Totally not the OPs point. Patients initially shared with her- not her to them. Relax.

neuron

554 Posts

Stephanie, I believe windsurfer was making a point. I could not believe 'one' R.N. who comes in a room and talks about God. Most are not true Christians and will stick medication in a 'patient' against their will and not show compassion. Nursefrances 'liked' windsurfer8's comment. Christian 'lover of Jesus' and 'liking' that comment? How can a 'true' Christian like that?

leslie :-D

11,191 Posts

Nursefrances 'liked' windsurfer8's comment. Christian 'lover of Jesus' and 'liking' that comment? How can a 'true' Christian like that?

wow...your attitude against Christians is notable.

that's really too bad.

as to your question, i "like" many posts...whether i agree with them or not.

sometimes it's a sign of acknowledgement that the post was read;

and sometimes it's a sign of respect, that we can agree to disagree.

nursefrances has class, and exemplifies the values of a true Christian... i know that to be truth.

"Most are not true Christians and will stick medication in a 'patient' against their will...????"

woman, you need education... and lots of it.:nono:

leslie

neuron

554 Posts

Leslie, you might want to note 'true' Christians. Not 'just say you're a Christian'. What does 'education' have to do with being an 'uncompassionate' nurse and a nurse who sticks medication in a patient even if they are screaming? You don't know anything about me.

nursefrances, BSN, RN

1 Article; 601 Posts

Specializes in Ambulatory Surgery, Ophthalmology, Tele.
Stephanie, I believe windsurfer was making a point. I could not believe 'one' R.N. who comes in a room and talks about God. Most are not true Christians and will stick medication in a 'patient' against their will and not show compassion. Nursefrances 'liked' windsurfer8's comment. Christian 'lover of Jesus' and 'liking' that comment? How can a 'true' Christian like that?

Hi lovebug. Yes, I am a Christian and I am a person, a mom, nurse, you know a "regular joe". I understand people will have different opinions than I do. So I respect what windsurfer posted as their personal opinion. It doesn't change who I am or what I do. We all have an opinion, as do you. Which I also respect. :heartbeat:

Religion can be such a touchy subject. I wish it wasn't that way but sadly it is. :no:

Thanks for taking time to post your thoughts here. Really. I do appreciate people taking time to post. It is all of our opinions, thoughts, encouragement, debate, etc. that makes AN a special place in my opinion. :)

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN

1 Article; 20,908 Posts

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I think this is one of those polarizing subjects to which many feel strongly about. We can agree to disagree as long as we are respectful and polite.

I think it is ok to have religion at the bedside....however it need to be driven by the patient themselves. I can't say I haven't said a few Hail Mary's under my breath is bad situations when I needed an extra boost for one reason or another.....but what I believe in may not be what my patient believes in. I have seen voodoo rituals and wiccan ceremonies to back country superstitions/rituals....if it makes the family feel better or the patient more comfortable...I'm good with that. However I do put my foot down on live sacrifices....LO )(just kidding).

I once worked with a Jehovah witness and I never knew until one day I answered my door and growled at her (I was napping form nights) we both laughed and promised never to tell.......Never once did she minister at work. She was respectful of her patients first and foremost.

Lets be respectful and stick to the topic.

ShyeoftheTiger

491 Posts

Nursefrances 'liked' windsurfer8's comment. Christian 'lover of Jesus' and 'liking' that comment? How can a 'true' Christian like that?

Didn't Jesus also teach, "Judge not, lest ye be judged?"