Prayer Before Surgery

[orscrubcutie1]

I work in a religiously-affiliated hospital institution and I really like that we say a prayer as a surgical team and invite the patient to participate (if so desired). I really like this small, but meaningful part of our pre-timeout processes, especially after a D.O.T, knowing we did this before the case. Does anyone else have experience with formal prayer with a surgical team and how did you feel about it?

[Kunzieo]

I don't know, from the way the OP describes it, it doesn't sound pushy at all. She works at a hospital affiliated with a religion, and prior to surgery, informs the patient/family that one of the services they offer is a group prayer at the time-out, directly pre-op. The patient/family is well within their rights to refuse, they just have to say "no, thanks" to the nurse.

To me, this sounds no different than nurses offering any other adjunct services- heating pad or guided imagery for pain, an offer to speak with chaplain or social services. The nurse is just informing the patient of the options available at this particular hospital.

Honestly, I'd be a little surprised if I were inpatient at a place call "The Sacred Heart of Mary Hospital" or whatever and there was NO mention of prayer or offer of religious comfort. I'm not Catholic, but I wouldn't be taken aback or offended by being offered these services while at a Catholic institution.

[CampNurse1]

When I scrubbed, there was one surgeon who looked around the room (after client was asleep) and would say, "Everybody happy?" He would not make first cut until everyone said yes. He would then say, "Dear Lord, guide our hands." He would then begin. I always thought this was just right.

[ruralgirl08]

To not offend, the option should be given to the patient, on a pre-operative checklist, prior to coming into surgery.

I think its a wonderful idea, I personally would find it comforting. But I work at a public hospital with many multi-faithed employees and patients, and I can see it offending people who do not share the same religion. Would a generic prayer, or a moment of silence more acceptable?

[FlyOR]

You know, I have thought a lot about prayer when I am at work, mostly because I am doing the praying. Sometimes, I have been in cases that have been so dicey, that I have thought that one of the the reasons I drew it, WAS to pray. I think that at any institution, framed properly, prayer can be there, just like at any institution, the absence of anything religious can be there. Like the old adage, it isn't what you say, but how you say it.

This is an OR board, we are with people the moment before they or their loved ones are cut open. Choices, to pray or not to pray should be given gently, but not done away with.