Catholic hospitals-yes or no?

LUVtxNursing · Sep 12, 2006

My sister works for a Catholic hospital here in TX, and I did my clinical at the same one, and it was WONDERFUL! All of the employees seemed to be very kind to one another. Most of the nurses were very kind and patient with the students, and I have noticed quite the opposite at other facilities. My sister said they actually make a point to teach the importance of treating one another with respect during new hire Orientation. I am a new grad and really wanted to work there, but the pay was pretty low compared to some other facilities, I will probably go there when I finish with my RN. I found them to be the same as other hospital's where religion was concerned, except for the things that other's have mentioned here. Good luck!!

gradgitated · Sep 15, 2006

I worked as a CNA in a Catholic hospital for 13 months. I am not a Catholic, but was respectful of others' beliefs and practices during my time there.

It is hard to say definitively if my problems with the facility and staff were due to the fact that I'm not Catholic, I refuse to behave like another mindless female sheep (dominated and disrespected by men), or because I didn't hide the fact that I actually have more than 2 brain cells that fire at the same time. The community is largely made up of old-fashioned, hard line Catholics whose family structure and beliefs dictate that "at home, men rule"....the feelings and opinions of women are not regarded as worthy of notice or concern. So, the women in these homes, when given positions that include having power over others(RNs bossing and harrassing CNAs), go just a little bit overboard.

Nothing that I did....the way I did it, the reason that I did it, or when I did it was good enough for those females (and boy, am I being nice when I call them THAT!). It was "wrong" to laugh while on duty, not walk around with a smile plastered on your face (I actually got lectured once about my facial expression!!), or answer ANY questions from patients (even ones well within my scope of practice!!) Male CNA's....well, the rules simply didn't apply to them. When I was hired I was told that I would have to "work my share" in LTC. Okay, not my cup of tea, but I did it. Along comes this male CNA and in 4 months, he worked ONE shift in LTC. When the DNS questioned me about my "attitude problem" about LTC, I told her that I don't mind rules, as long as they're applied straight across the board....he should have to pull equal shifts in LTC. (Hey, she asked.) Now mind you, even though I wasn't thrilled with LTC, NONE of my patients ever lacked the proper care and I was not surly or negative with them.

I never heard of a single person (RN or CNA) who received a good performance review from the DNS and charge nurses....everyone came out of that office carrying a wad of Kleenex....all except the "Golden Boy" that is. I had a run-in with him one night. I was running my butt off down in LTC and there was a call light on in Med-Surg. Here he stands at the nurses station talking to one of the docs and 10 minutes later the call light was still on. I said, "Would you mind terribly getting that light....IF it's not too much trouble because I'm kind of busy here?". The charge immediately called me into an empty room and told me that I was being unprofessional and rude. She told me that I had to apologize to "Golden Boy". I was bustin' my tail, he was lazing around the nurses station, and I asked for some help....to this day I can't figure out what was so unprofessional and rude.

It seemed a little strange that a facility whose "core values" included "Justice, Compassion, and Tolerance" had such a short supply of it when it came to their employees. The administration and managers practiced and encouraged browbeating, preferential treatment, and incessant backbiting/tattling. Good work was never acknowledged or praised. Every little thing was analyzed to the point of absurdity. The DNS and the senior charge even called me into the office one day and informed me that I didn't "have what it takes to be in the nursing field" and that I "would never make it as a nurse". I am so glad that I didn't let those pitiful, bitter, dried up poor excuses for managers dictate my future for me. If I had allowed their opinions to matter I would never have had the courage to go back to school, let alone graduate.

I left that job 13 months after I hired on and when I left I had an ulcer. My doctor (one of the staff docs there) told me "You should leave before they break you". I agreed, gave my notice, and immediately embarked on the path to my ADN. (I made sure I sent the DNS a graduation announcement...hehehe)

Several of my classmates work at that hospital (a few of them worked there while I was employed there too) and they've suggested that I apply for a job there. NOT IF IT WAS THE LAST HOSPITAL ON THE PLANET!!!!! I would sell my body on the street before I'd even consider going back to work there.

I know that not all Catholic hospitals are that way and I have applied to one this week for an opening in Med-Surg. I hope that I will have a better experience at that facility and I plan to try very hard to keep an open mind in regard to management and my co-workers.

tvccrn, ASN, RN · Sep 15, 2006

Religious bias has no place in a hospital...

It does if the hospital is run by catholics, baptists, etc. It's their hospital and they can do what they want with it.

However, I happen to love where I work. So much so, that when I moved from here to out east and discovered that he!!hole called Boston, I couldn't wait to get back.

A lot of the higher-ups here know that I'm Wiccan and I have been asked some very intelligent and discussion-provoking questions by them. I am not treated any differently and neither are the patients. There is a big push here to respect our patients and their culture.

tvccrn

redding-er-rn · Sep 20, 2006

I work in a Catholic hospital and find no difference between them and Baptist or other Protestant organizations. My corporation is managed by the nuns but healthcare is viewed basically as a "business" We provide a ministry and provide care for the underserved and uninsured or underinsured as well as the insured. The quality of care is the same regardless of the situation. Our goal is basically to be the facility of choice for the community.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Sep 20, 2006

i've never worked in a catholic hospital, but i did a travel contract in an adventist hospital. it was a beautiful, friendly facility. the folks there were nice and they didn't force religion. there were twice daily prayers, but they were easy enough to ignore if you weren't into it, and soothing if you were.

i've had a few opportunities to work at catholic hospitals, but never did. when i moved to a new city in the 80s, i had interviews at two catholic and a methodist hospitals. on the day i arrived for my interview at the methodist hospital, the anti abortionists were picketing in front of the building. i ran the gauntlet of picketers with signs and grisley pictures -- you know the kind -- to get inside for my interview. when i got to hr, the president of the hospital wanted to meet the person who had wanted to work there badly enough to brave the anti abortionists. he shared his conviction that in order for there to be a choice for women, there had to be a facility that provided abortions. at that moment, i knew there was no question about where i was going to work. i believe in choice, and if there is going to be a choice, we need to support those facilities that ensure it.

i have no doubt that catholic facilities can be wonderful places to work. but there are certain services that they don't offer, and women who have no choice but to use those hospitals are denied those services. anyone who doesn't share my beliefs may be really happy and fulfilled working at a catholic facility and i don't begrudge them that. for myself, though, i chose not to work there.

KerenRN · Sep 21, 2006

I work for a Catholic hospital and I believe the atmosphere can definitely be intrusive at times, especially for a person with beliefs such as I have- I am neither Catholic nor Christian. There are only two major hospitals in my area and they are both owned by "the sisters". Recently I was given a "mission statement" to sign. It included specifics of religion such as "following in the path of Christ" and upholding "Christian values". If you are uncomfortable with working in this type of atmosphere and are unable to ignore all the "plus signs" it probably isn't the best place to accept a job offer.... Luckily I was allowed to sign the statement after adding my own notations/feelings. I really didn't want to sign it at all - there is no religious requirement to work at this facility... but that is another issue...

As for the pay, I hadn't ever thought that I might be donating some of my paycheck to jesus without even knowing it! I'm going to have to think about that one for a while!

elcue · Sep 21, 2006

Ruby said it all very well. I simply cannot work for an institution that does not support reproductive freedom of choice. I just feel I have to put my money where my mouth is on that, though I know my stance will certainly not change anything. It depends what's important to you. Everyone has to stand for something, and for me that is one issue where I cannot compromise. Be true to your own values. If you have no serious objections to the philosophies of an institution, then whether you are a "member" shouldn't affect your potential satisfaction working there. Good luck, whatever you decide. Linda

hogan4736, BSN, RN · Sep 21, 2006

It does if the hospital is run by catholics, baptists, etc. It's their hospital and they can do what they want with it...tvccrn

Your point is semantically incorrect...You describe a form of ethnocentricity which differs from bias...

Fanatic fundamentalism, and fundamentalism is, by definition, fanatic; is not in any way spiritual. Fundamentalism is entirely a political and social phenomenon hiding behind an utterly false simulacrum of religion.

yes they can do what they want, but should respect other religions/cultures...

ZASHAGALKA, RN · Sep 21, 2006

Your point is semantically incorrect...You describe a form of ethnocentricity which differs from bias...
Fanatic fundamentalism, and fundamentalism is, by definition, fanatic; is not in any way spiritual. Fundamentalism is entirely a political and social phenomenon hiding behind an utterly false simulacrum of religion.
yes they can do what they want, but should respect other religions/cultures...

And YOUR point is equally semantically incorrect.

You play with the definitions of fundamentalism, fanaticism, AND spiritual in such a short passage. Those are YOUR definitions, not semantically correct ones. Show me any unbiased source of language that uses fanatic to define fundamentalism, or that uses spiritual as an antonym to fundamentalism.

And then you dismiss the religiosity of others based solely on a purely semantical umbrella of such mis-definitions.

You describe these things as political and social phenomenom but your take on these very things are a considered political and social viewpoint.

Finally a treatise on respecting the religion and cultures of others while you simultaneously dismiss the very same in a large group of people. "THEY" should respect the religion and culture of others but "THEY" are "an utterly false simulacrum of religion." The 'semantics' of your last statement lie in stark contrast to everything else you mentioned. Or, if you'll excuse the pun, practice what you preach.

Religious based hospitals serve a need in most communities. You don't have to be Catholic, or in fact, religious at all to work in a Catholic hospital. You do have to actually respect the religion and culture of others, namely, your employer, to do so. But respect is different then adherence.

~faith,

Timothy.

hogan4736, BSN, RN · Sep 21, 2006

"You play with the definitions of fundamentalism, fanaticism, AND spiritual in such a short passage."

For such a short passage, it certainly inspired a long-winded reply!

Look Tim,

My point was and is: religious bias has no place in a hospital and health care...

Irrespective of one's beliefs, patient care is paramount to anything else...

If someone wants the morning after pill, prescribe it for her...Better she takes it, than give birth to an unwanted child who grows up knowing this...

Nurses and docs should not be so naive to think that their beliefs transcend those of the patient and health care as a whole...

hogan4736, BSN, RN · Sep 21, 2006

"Religious based hospitals serve a need in most communities"

I am catholic, was raised catholic, and despise its inherent judgement that it preaches to little children, in school...

XXXXX

But we cannot judge!

tvccrn, ASN, RN · Sep 21, 2006

Your point is semantically incorrect...You describe a form of ethnocentricity which differs from bias...
Fanatic fundamentalism, and fundamentalism is, by definition, fanatic; is not in any way spiritual. Fundamentalism is entirely a political and social phenomenon hiding behind an utterly false simulacrum of religion.
yes they can do what they want, but should respect other religions/cultures...

You conveniently left out the rest of my post where I said those very words you have in your post....

I am not treated any differently and neither are the patients. There is a big push here to respect our patients and their culture.

tvccrn