Working as a RN with a Different Religion at a LDS/Mormon Hospital

[tabithug531]

Hey,

I was just wondering if anyone knows what it's like to work at a Mormon/LDS hospital when you do NOT practice that religion?

Does this hospital practice the religion in their facility or is it just named the LDS Hospital since Intermountain bought it while it was a church?

Is this hospital any different because of it being LDS? (For example, if there's a Catholic hospital that doesn't do abortions and if I were Pro-Choice, then me working there would be a problem)

I definitely don't have a problem with people of LDS faith, but I am Christian and don't want there to be any "incongruence" with my religion and my practice. Basically, I don't want to inadvertently "support" or "take part in" something in the healthcare field I would be uncomfortable with later.

Thank you!

p.s. I really hope this doesn't offend anyone. That is not my intention in the slightest. I just want to make sure I can give the best care possible to all patients without compromising my own morals & values

[aiaa]

I don't think it'll be a problem. I'm pretty sure they will maintain professionalism will not impose the religion on everyone who works there.

[rainier93]

I've gotten more crap there for being mormon than anywhere else I've worked, it's really not a big deal. (I went to a mormon school and my scrubs depicted that...so they would know my religion just by looking at me...Even then they would still ask if I was mormon most of the time before saying anything relating to church stuff...So if that says anything. I don't think I would have been asked about my religion if it wasn't for the scrubs). There aren't as many LDS people there as it is made out to be...:)

[jotec]

Hi.

I live and work locally here in Utah. Let me help explain.

LDS hospital is owned by Intermountain Healthcare, the largest hospital system in the state. The LDS (mormon) church sold each hospital they owned to IHC in 1975.

Although Intermountain has many LDS people employed within its company, there are no problems with those who practice other religions or believe in different faiths. The company believes in being respectful of other cultures, as this must be practiced with the wide variety of patients we get. LDS hospital in particular is no different.

So long story short, don't sweat it. I promise it will make NO difference. Just be kind and demonstrate good work ethic and things will be just fine.

i cannot respond to PM's yet. I do like working at St. mark. I work primary in cardiology and the staff and physicians are great. For the most part. I don't agree with every decision the corporate HCA makes but for the most part only positive experience.

[Anna S, RN]

I briefly worked in a catholic hospital. Often,when a pt was in pain, nurses would pray over the pt instead of giving pain meds. Before staff meetings, all staff held hands and prayed.

This was a hospital based hospice inpt unit.

I don't think my experience was typical as far as religion-based hospital systems go.

I left not because of the religious aspects, but because the care was antiquated, and not of good quality.

[Red Kryptonite]

I briefly worked in a catholic hospital. Often,when a pt was in pain, nurses would pray over the pt instead of giving pain meds.

This is a lie.

[kp1987]

This is a lie.

LOL I agree, I doubt they would withhold medications for prayer. I would assume the pt either did not want medications or it was just praying in general.

[KikiKatt]

I've lived and worked as nurse in Utah for the last 17 years. I'm not LDS/Mormon and am originally from Oregon. The hospital systems I've worked for (Iasis and Intermountain Healthcare) are secular in nature and try to make the workplace comfortable for people of all faiths. Most staff keep things professional at work and refrain from discussing controversial topics like religion or politics (although assumptions tend to be silently made based on whether or not someone is seen drinking coffee). Patients or their families will occasionally ask about your religion but that has been a rare occasion for me (maybe 2 or 3 times in 17 years). Most nurses here are Mormon but there are many, like me, who are not. Most of my coworkers have been friendly and helpful to new staff regardless of their religion. Generally, if you are friendly and work hard, you will be respected as they get to know you on the unit.

Generally, Utah is a friendly state to live in with a lot to offer. There are lots of fun outdoor activities like skiing and hiking. It can be a bit of a culture shock to move here but you get used to some of the quirky peculiarities fairly quickly. I would recommend non-Mormons look for homes in either Park City or the Salt Lake Valley since they are more diverse (well, diverse for Utah) than more predominately Mormon areas like Provo or various small towns around the state. They can be a bit challenging if you are not LDS, especially for children or teens. Dating can be a big problem in those areas if you are not LDS.

The hospitals here in Salt Lake City are decent to work for although the wages are surprisingly low. The cost of living is also pretty high. You can generally make more in other western states like Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, Montana and especially California. It's still worth it to live and work here though. People here are generally friendly. The traffic isn't too bad for standard 12-hr hospital shifts and my commute is fairly easy. I live about 30 minutes away from my hospital. It's also nice be close to both outdoor activities and the conveniences of a city.

[sevensonnets]

I am LDS and have worked in a Catholic hospital for many years. I've never been asked my religious affiliations nor have I ever discussed them with coworkers. Hospitals hire nurses for their experience and professionalism, not religious affiliation, and that would be the case in Utah as well.

[sevensonnets]

By the way, we LDS are Christian also. And coworkers who don't drink coffee would not affect your job or relationship with them in any way.

t