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?

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.

i do wish this type of course was mandated in nsg school...

as we deal with such a diverse population and even if some don't, it can only benefit ourselves in expanding our sensitivities to those we serve.

that said, i am mystified by those who have absolutely no desire in learning or understanding anything other than what they personally believe.

that type of attitude to me, speaks to the art of nursing or more specific, its lack...

and would not result in attaining one's professional best.

still...and again, i do think this type of sociological requirement would benefit the student and his/her prospective patients...

whether the benefit is voluntary or inadvertent, remains to be seen. :)

leslie

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

Most of us, if not all, have had to take a course called 'spirituality in nursing' or some such. Our role is supposed to be supportive not evangelistic. It would also be good for us to know about other religions - for example, how those who are Jewish handle the dead, how the Jevovah's Witnesses do not use blood products. I am sure that any education in religions would go way beyond that!

It is hard not to offer the kind of support I have in my own life but it is not ok unless somebody asks for it. And if they have their own practice we are supposed to support it. If they do ask for information on our faith that is another story.

When someone is terminal it is difficult not to offer our own kind of hope ... we are basically supposed to ask them/the family if the patient has a religious preference, and would they like to have their own spiritual leader/ a leader in their own religion, or a hospital chaplain, come to see them. It is definitely not ok to come in blasting fire and brimstone.

It is hard since my faith urges us to share it with others as the consequences are grave but what are we gonna do? We have to trust God to give us a clear opportunity to speak and by clear I mean a patient asking. Either they express that their faith is the same as ours, or they or the family invite me to talk about my own.

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

I know you feel strongly about your faith.....but in nursing..... it is not about you.

You will find that even when a patient asks what you believe....they may not really be interested and will probably end up reporting you for unprofessional/inappropriate behavior. Trust me this has and will happen.

Nursing.....this is a world of the unexpected. Of unexpected idiosyncrasies in dealing with the general public that is NOT always what they appear....you will not be able to change them nor predict their behavior. Many will respond just as vehemently while hospitalized as they would if you quoted scripture at the bank. People will react even stronger for they don't feel well and are in a vulnerable position.

I am sorry that this may not be what you want to hear....but the expectation of keeping religion out of the work place will be similar as it is in your bank. Some religious affiliated facilities are more tolerate of a doctrine related care/demeanor while other facilities will not be tolerant at all. I tell you this not to affront your beliefs but to help you understand what the expectation is at the bedside......I have been a nurse for 35 years.....just the voice of wisdom and experience.

It is kind of like when a patient will ask you for your address or phone number because they want to "keep in touch" or thank you....it is not appropriate to give them your personal information. You respond with a "that is so kind but I do not give out my personal information" You don't give out your personal information....you don't discuss your personal opinion about religion, marriage, politics because it is personal and it isn't about you.....it is all about the patient.

Patients can be comforted without scripture....that is your job.

You might find your experience different once you get into school or into the workforce.....I wish you the best.

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']

No surprise December-presents for you! Hating on my loved Santee Claus! Bah humbug LMAO

Posting from my phone, ease forgive my fat thumbs! :)

I know you feel strongly about your faith.....but in nursing..... it is not about you.

You will find that even when a patient asks what you believe....they may not really be interested and will probably end up reporting you for unprofessional/inappropriate behavior. Trust me this has and will happen.

Nursing.....this is a world of the unexpected. Of unexpected idiosyncrasies in dealing with the general public that is NOT always what they appear....you will not be able to change them nor predict their behavior. Many will respond just as vehemently while hospitalized as they would if you quoted scripture at the bank. People will react even stronger for they don't feel well and are in a vulnerable position.

I am sorry that this may not be what you want to hear....but the expectation of keeping religion out of the work place will be similar as it is in your bank. Some religious affiliated facilities are more tolerate of a doctrine related care/demeanor while other facilities will not be tolerant at all. I tell you this not to affront your beliefs but to help you understand what the expectation is at the bedside......I have been a nurse for 35 years.....just the voice of wisdom and experience.

It is kind of like when a patient will ask you for your address or phone number because they want to "keep in touch" or thank you....it is not appropriate to give them your personal information. You respond with a "that is so kind but I do not give out my personal information" You don't give out your personal information....you don't discuss your personal opinion about religion, marriage, politics because it is personal and it isn't about you.....it is all about the patient.

Patients can be comforted without scripture....that is your job.

You might find your experience different once you get into school or into the workforce.....I wish you the best.

Thank you for your honesty. I completely hear you on this. It's so unfortunate that people would act like this. If I were a patient, I would never in all my life report someone or conspire to have them terminated, no matter how they treated me. So sad...

3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

I will most certainly proceed with abundant caution, especially within the workplace. I want to become a nurse, more so to take care of the sick, then to preach the gospel to them. But I'm sure, I'll have wonderful moments that I'll be able to freely discuss the gospel of Jesus Christ with another fellow Christian patient.:)

Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
WRONG answer.

you would NOT tell a dying patient in spiritual distress/crisis, that they may be doomed to everlasting destruction!!!

some of these folks have already spoken with the hospice chaplain, have fervently prayed and are still questioning their faith...their beliefs!!

so HELL no, you would never never never insinuate anything remotely terrifying to a pt in crisis.

NEVER.

yes, i got incredibly upset by your response.

please, do not work with the dying.

i know you mean well, but that has to be one of the scariest responses i've ever seen.

i'm done here.

leslie

leslie, I'm pretty sure as someone who has had plenty of hospice experience, you know hospice programs weed out people with that attitude when they apply for positions. The hospice environment is supposed to be supportive, compassionate, not inflicting needless distress on the patient. We may not agree with or understand a patient's spiritual beliefs, and we don't need to. What we do need to do is provide comfort for patients and their families.

leslie, I'm pretty sure as someone who has had plenty of hospice experience, you know hospice programs weed out people with that attitude when they apply for positions.

Do people actually put that information on applications?

Yes, I agree. Anyone telling any patient that they're "doomed to everlasting destruction" would not be supportive or compassionate and would most certainly inflict needless distress on the patient.

Well said.

Yes, I agree. Anyone telling any patient that they're "doomed to everlasting destruction" would not be supportive or compassionate and would most certainly inflict needless distress on the patient.

ah...i'm glad you've come around and seen the light.

good answer. ;)

leslie

Specializes in Transitional Nursing.

I sat in on a devotional with abpatient who asked me to. She had a massive stroke and was learning how tobspeak and eat again. I thought it was amazing how she asked me to join and I still remember her little voice trying tob get the words out. Imo itbwas approproate for me to join because I was asked to and inshare the same faith. Ive prayed withb patients many times but always when they asked me to. Id never push it on anyone but I am perfectly happy to talk abiut it or share my love of the Lord with whomever asks.

Well, I'm not a nurse quite yet. I hope that doesn't preclude me from responding to this post. My wife is an RN and you are correct, Christians have to be VERY careful within the workplace.

Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Pagans, Scientologists, Muslims, Jews, Zoroastians, Atheists, and any other variation on faith or lack thereof all need to be equally careful in sharing their faith or lack thereof. None of those are appropriate to share when not initiated by the patient.

Specializes in allergy and asthma, urgent care.

In a somewhat relevant aside, a Boston's Childrens Hospital psychiatrist just lost his medical license for giving a patient a "spiritual diagnosis". Allegedly he became convinced a 16 year old girl suffered from evil spirits and he became her spiritual mentor and tried to convert her to his faith. He gave her a cross to wear instead of a different religious symbol she was wearing, and took her to his home and to his church. He also failed to report supposed abuse by her mother to proper authorities.

This was in today's Boston Globe. I tried to post a link but was unsuccessful. Obviously, this doctor crossed a line and this is an extreme example of imposing your religion on a patient. But it is a cautionary tale for those who would freely share their views when not invited to do so.