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

As nurses, we wear many hats. To name a few: we are caregivers, providers, assessors, comforters, encouragers, teachers, an ear to listen. Are we to be evangelists or preachers? In my opinion, no and....yes. I believe that it is appropriate to share my faith when the patient has already started the conversation and I am adding to it. Here are a few stories to make my point.

It was 6:40 pm. Twenty minutes left until shift change. (At last!) Of course, this is when my new admit wheels down the hall. I knew she was coming so I was able to finish my other duties and check on other patients before she arrived. I greeted the patient with a smile and introduced myself. She said hi and smiled back. She said "You're a Christian aren't you?" She saw the look on my face that said "Wow, how did you know?" She then smiled again and said. "I can tell by your smile, you have a glow of happiness. You must know the Lord." She was a very spiritual lady.

She was there for 24 hour cardiac observation. We talked and shared our love for the Lord for a few minutes while I checked her vitals and got her settled in her room. We prayed for her situation. She also prayed for me and then I said thank you and goodbye. I went on to shift change report. We both left that situation blessed and at peace.

One more. Some time ago I worked in a surgery center preparing patients for surgery. A patient walked in to my area and sat in the chair. My job was to screen the patient and start an IV. We hit it off from the get go. We learned quickly that we were both Christians. (You know, the smile/glow thing?) I only had one arm available to start an IV due to health issues with the other arm. She also said that she was a hard stick and from her body language she didn't like needles. I tried once but wasn't successful. She asked if anesthesia could start the IV. I let the doctor know and went on to my next patient.

She was a very difficult stick, small veins that blew easily. The doctor and a few other nurses tried with no success. I was busy with my new patient but would look over to her wishing I could hold her hand while they tried to start her IV. When I finished with my patient, I had a moment to go talk with her. She was almost in tears. She really didn't like IVs but could not have surgery without it. Surgery was needed. The doctor did not want to postpone the surgery if possible. When I went to the patient I saw one vein on her hand that was like a neon saying "pick me! pick me! I'm the one!"

I asked the patient and anesthesia if they minded if I tried "one more time". The patient said ok. I didn't want to use a tourniquet. I will have the patient hang their hand over the chair. "gravity is my friend" I always say with hard stick IVs. When I hang their hand over the arm of the chair, I need to be lower. I will put the stool low or sit on my knees. I was on my knees and the patient grabbed my hand and started praying. (She read my mind, I wanted to pray too.)

We both prayed, quietly, only loud enough that we could hear each other. I prayed that God would use this situation for His glory. That it would be a witness to others in the room that God can do anything. Even something as easy as calming a patient and getting a good IV. After we finished praying I was about to start the IV. I started praying again while I was starting the IV. I instantly felt her body and hand relax. I got it! She was so happy. She gave me a big hug and a peck on the cheek.

I found out later on that at her post op visit she described the whole story to the staff at the doctor's office. She couldn't remember my name but I was "the little angel who started her IV".

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?

FSUN, Thank you for sharing you, rather than quotes.

It is easy to be misinterpreted when you put your intentions into the quotes.

Curiosity: What would you tell a non-Christian about afterlife? If asked about beliefs about what happens after he or she dies are you able to not say anything about your beliefs? Do you feel the need to tell them about what you believe happens to Christians when they die?

That's a really good question. I guess I would just avoid talking about afterlife, altogether. As much as I would LOVE to have a quiet conversation about the gospel, I know the workplace is just not the place, unless of course I knew my patient was a Christian and it was them who opened the conversation.

So, I don't think I would talk to a non-Christian about afterlife. And if they asked me, well, I'm not sure. I'm still stuck in the banking world and my clients just don't ask those questions. Sure, I have clients who are Christians, but the conversation about the gospel has never come up, nor do I think it will within the next couple years I have left in this industry.

Do you think it would be appropriate to tell a non-Christian who asks what I believe, to tell them what "I" believe? I only ask, because they would be the one asking. I'm not sure about this. There's no way I'm going through all these pre-reqs (with a pregnant wife), an accelerated BSN program, only to have someone try and get me terminated because they "think" my motivation is to preach the gospel. And I KNOW it could be misconstrued that way, so probably better to completely refrain from the conversation with all non-Christians.

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yes, i readily admitted i was upset/offended by your post and thought i explained why but you still don't seem to understand...

...i do hope you reread what you posted to me (about the words you would share with a pt) and hopefully you will see why i reacted as i did.

No need to get upset. This is a thread about sharing faith with patients in the workplace. The OP is a Chrisitan and she doesn't think it's a good idea to do so, within the workplace. And I agree with her! UNLESS, I am absolutely sure my patient is a Christian (a believer) and he/she initiates the conversation. PERIOD. And I would (I hope) feel absolutely comfortable sharing, that as a believer, they will have eternal life and in no, way, shape or form will experience God's wrath. I believe I have every right to discuss this with a patient (in the above referenced situation).

I "assume" you feel that this is wrong. Okay. That's your affair. So be it. It is what it is.

If you're a mom, I hope you have a good Mother's Day!

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I pray every morning on my way to work that God will guide my hands and guard my mouth so that I cause no harm to my patients. I ask him to make me knowledgeable in the gift he has bestowed on my. I also let my patients lead the way. There are a few that start a conversation regarding some things that are against what is in Bible. I politely let them know although my feelings are different, I respect their right to feel their way also. I have never had anyone get mad that I know of. I have also prayed with people while their loved one has taken their last breath and yes like them I cry, hug and comfort them as best I know how. Loving my Savior, sharing with people who are requesting prayers is one great thing about my job.

This was very comforting and reassuring. I think you're response to those who start a conversation in that manner, is appropriate.

Your last statement, about loving your Savior and sharing with people who are requesting prayers is one great thing about your job, put a huge smile on my face! :) It gives me much courage as I pursue a career into nursing!

Thank you!!!

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Specializes in Med Surg.

I think that your light should shine through your actions and through your comportment. Words are just... words.

And words of a religious nature, should not, in my opinion, be initiated by the healthcare provider.

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

What is my attitude towards christians or any other religion? I could care less if you believe in God, Jesus, Buddha, Allah, or no one. I do not care. What I said was do not push your crap on me if I am a patient. That is all. And if you do I will report the nurse for inappropriate and unprofessional behavior. NO where do I say anything bad about christians. That is my point. What I love about this country is we can believe whatever we want. You can pray or not pray. Makes zero difference to me. If I am a patient I want to hear about evidence based care and what my labs are. I do not want to listen to someone telling me I am going to hell or not and if I do, I will report them. If another patient wants to hear that then that is their business. Get it? Got it? Understand it? Quit feeling sorry for yourselves because I don't want to listen to your religious whatever.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Leslie, why do you get so offended by my posts? First of all, in your quote, you've removed John 3:16. Was this intentional?

I said my conversation would be to a "Christian". A Christian is anyone who believes that Christ was the Son of God. I NEVER said I would tell anyone that they will experience the wrath of God. Especially not in the workplace. I simply said that if I were talking to another "Christian". In another post of mine on this thread I was emphatic about NOT sharing the gospel to ANYONE in the workplace, unless asked. In my opinion, I think it's okay to have a discussion, if one is asked.

You said that you don't share your beliefs, even if asked, but you certainly shared your "belief" about not believing in God's wrath. Seriously? You said in your post that "at these times, that i would share my (non-denominational and spiritual) beliefs...", but then you go on to say, other than to try and comfort those who were suffering, i have never shared my beliefs..."

I apologize, but I will always defend my posts. I mean no harm.

So, if I had a dying patient, who was a Christian and they asked me about eternal life or God's wrath (yes, many Christians are frghtened about God's wrath and they shouldn't be) I would simply, in a humbled manner, tell them not to worry, because by believing in Christ, as the Son of God, they will live for eternity and that they don't have to worry about God's wrath.

Nowhere in my post did I say I would ever tell anyone that they are appointed to God's wrath. I would only have this conversation with a patient who simply asked me and of course, it was established that they are a Christian.

I'm sorry, but I'm not sure what I said to have offended you. You're making me feel bad, because you seem to have taken my post out of context.

I think the point trying to be made here is that it is about the patients needs and NOT your faith. Patients will confide in you, trust you, tell you things they have never told a soul...but that does not mean you should minister to them.

I am christian....but of the byzantine catholic/orthodox Greek belief....you may pray for me but not over me. I would not want to hear scripture quoted without a specific request. I believe that this is a very demographic thing to certain culture in areas....but the patient is to be thought of first. It is about them not you. I think scripture shold be left to the clergy....call them.

Nurses are to hold hands and comfort. Passively listen and comfort. It is ALL about what the patient needs and if that is a Wiccan ceremony then so be it. It is not for me to judge nor is it for me to impose....but it is for me to give them the peace they seek in their way.

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You have me in tears. Happy tears! I agree 100% on if they start it, I'll discuss. Thanks for sharing!

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That's a really good question. I guess I would just avoid talking about afterlife, altogether. As much as I would LOVE to have a quiet conversation about the gospel, I know the workplace is just not the place, unless of course I knew my patient was a Christian and it was them who opened the conversation.

So, I don't think I would talk to a non-Christian about afterlife. And if they asked me, well, I'm not sure. I'm still stuck in the banking world and my clients just don't ask those questions. Sure, I have clients who are Christians, but the conversation about the gospel has never come up, nor do I think it will within the next couple years I have left in this industry.

Do you think it would be appropriate to tell a non-Christian who asks what I believe, to tell them what "I" believe? I only ask, because they would be the one asking. I'm not sure about this. There's no way I'm going through all these pre-reqs (with a pregnant wife), an accelerated BSN program, only to have someone try and get me terminated because they "think" my motivation is to preach the gospel. And I KNOW it could be misconstrued that way, so probably better to completely refrain from the conversation with all non-Christians.

One thing I would suggest is to take a course in comparative religions. In order to minister to those of other faiths it will help you to understand other POV about religion v spirituality v ethical and moral behaviors. Some religions do not see a punishing God and see their religion as a moral compass. To be followed but the reward is the journey. Others see that reward is the end of life, as we know it. Still others believe we come back many times.

Interestingly many Christians hold parts of these religions even though they are Christian. To me Christianity is a personal journey and no person can sit in judgement as to whether I am Christian enough to be considered a "believer". One thing that turns many of us off to many brands of Christianity is the judgmental nature as to what is right and wrong as a Christian.

If someone comes to preach the gospel to me I would refuse them. Live the gospel, show me, don't tell me. May the hands devoted to comfort be the evidence of my beliefs.

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One thing I would suggest is to take a course in comparative religions. In order to minister to those of other faiths it will help you to understand other POV about religion v spirituality v ethical and moral behaviors.

Thanks, but no thanks. I'm not pursing nursing to "minister" to anyone. If a patient asks me about what I believe, I'll politely tell them. I don't need a comparative religion class to tell me how to minister to them.

My faith is as simple as A-B-C. Believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved! I don't need rituals, sacraments, traditions, ordinances, performance systems, etc. Why should I need all that when I have the Spirit of Christ living within me.

There's no such thing as "Christian enough". Either you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior or you don't. Works don't bring anyone to salvation.

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

Right versus wrong? Well, if "all" our sins our forgiven for having believed in the Son of God, then what does Christianity say is wrong? It's "man" who creates all the rules and regulations, so that they can boast!

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You have me in tears. Happy tears! I agree 100% on if they start it, I'll discuss. Thanks for sharing!

Amen!

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minister- To attend to the wants and needs of others: Volunteers ministered to the homeless after the flood. See synonyms at tend2.

Read more: minister: Definition, Synonyms from Answers.com

To minister is not the same a being a minister.

As a Christian I do as Christ commanded: Love God and love each other. There is no limitation as to religion, sex, sexual orientation, race, creed or other factor.

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minister- To attend to the wants and needs of others: Volunteers ministered to the homeless after the flood. See synonyms at tend2.

Read more: minister: Definition, Synonyms from Answers.com

To minister is not the same a being a minister.

As a Christian I do as Christ commanded: Love God and love each other. There is no limitation as to religion, sex, sexual orientation, race, creed or other factor.

Oh, sorry. I was thinking you meant, "evangelizing". You are right on about loving God and each other. One of my favorite sayings of Christ, is an exchange between He and Martha:

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

It is such a comforting passage:)

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