Boldness to Speak

[Parakeet]

I wanted to write this as an encouragement to other believers in the LORD Jesus Christ, that there are opportunities to give the Gospel in nursing.

I am in my last semester of a nursing program. It is at a technical college, and none of my classmates seem to be Christians. A few perhaps in name, but language and life do not line up. I had a desire to give the Gospel to every one of my classmates as well as my teachers, but the possibility of being able to speak personally with them for any length of time while completing nursing school just did not seem to be a possibility.

I decided that at the end of my previous semester, I could make gift packages with homemade soap, small gifts and a Gospel tract. I was able to give these to my classmates and teachers, and I also plan, LORD willing, to give them to the incoming nursing class as well.

For my patients, I have been able to pray with a couple of them based on their request. I have had patients ask me why I treat them the way I do - in other words, I think and hope that Jesus Christ is shining through - and they want to know what it is in me that loves them no matter what.

I think it all depends on your circumstances and how far you are willing to go. I just try to tell my patients about Jesus whenever I can - whenever they want me to.

I hope maybe this can encourage someone. As days are getting darker and the second coming of Jesus is closer than ever, I think we will have a higher price to pay for sharing our faith. Perhaps it is better to make it a habit now when it is easier than later. May the LORD Jesus embolden us that we would not be ashamed of Him when real persecution comes.

Might be unpopular to write, but so what! It is not me that counts, only Him! :)

[IVRUS, BSN, RN]

Not everyone is an in your face Christian as you seem to be. I for one, would NOT appreciate your gifts (it's none of your business about what I believe) and would have filed a complaint with administration had you been so bold to do what you did to me. I urge you to tread lightly when you do obtain your first nursing position....

You're right in the respect that many organizations frown upon one's sharing of their faith, but this is mostly due to political correctness gone awry. However, as long as she is sharing what the Holy Spirit exhorts her to share, then God will bring good out of every crazy, or misaligned thing that happens to her. No worries.

[Nurse Leigh]

You're right in the respect that many organizations frown upon one's sharing of their faith, but this is mostly due to political correctness gone awry. However, as long as she is sharing what the Holy Spirit exhorts her to share, then God will bring good out of every crazy, or misaligned thing that happens to her. No worries.

I actually think it is out of respect and due to boundaries more than "political correctness"

Not sure if you've heard, but not everyone is a Christian.

People who are strong in their own faiths will likely be upset if someone proselytizes and tells them only Christianity is the way. And some people may not speak out against it if they feel pressured or are not feeling well. This includes Christians who may belong to different denominations.

[IVRUS, BSN, RN]

I actually think it is out of respect and due to boundaries more than "political correctness"

Not sure if you've heard, but not everyone is a Christian.

People who are strong in their own faiths will likely be upset if someone proselytizes and tells them only Christianity is the way. And some people may not speak out against it if they feel pressured or are not feeling well. This includes Christians who may belong to different denominations.

People become out-of-joint, simply when one mentions the fact that Jesus is the ONLY WAY. That is not a mystery, but it is ones desire to not offend, to keep thing even keel, and to be mansy-pansy about one's faith that is the problem. God tells us that the "lukewarm" HE will spew out of HIS mouth... The OP is merely proclaiming her faith, and letting the chips fall were the may. Offense is taken, and at other times the sentiments are appreciated. Why can't you respect her feelings? It is true that there are CHRISTIANS found in many organized religions... But then again, there are those who call themselves a "Christian" and yet are ashamed, and they want to hide their light out of fear

that someone will take it wrong, now that is disrespecting Christ.

[Nurse Leigh]

People become out-of-joint, simply when one mentions the fact that Jesus is the ONLY WAY. That is not a mystery, but it is ones desire to not offend, to keep thing even keel, and to be mansy-pansy about one's faith that is the problem. God tells us that the "lukewarm" HE will spew out of HIS mouth... The OP is merely proclaiming her faith, and letting the chips fall were the may. Offense is taken, and at other times the sentiments are appreciated. Why can't you respect her feelings? It is true that there are CHRISTIANS found in many organized religions... But then again, there are those who call themselves a "Christian" and yet are ashamed, and they want to hide their light out of fear

that someone will take it wrong, now that is disrespecting Christ.

Just because *you* believe it is the only way does not mean others agree with you or should be told their way is wrong.

[BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP]

it is not appropriate to bring religion into the workplace. You are there to do a job, not preach the Gospel. This goes for all religions. As a non-christian, I would personally be very offended and angry if my nurse told me I needed to be saved or needed to find Jesus. I would request to have him or her removed from my case, and would hope they would be counseled not to do it again. I want someone focused on my needs and care, and not focused on pushing their own agenda, regardless of how good their intentions are.

[BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP]

People become out-of-joint, simply when one mentions the fact that Jesus is the ONLY WAY. That is not a mystery, but it is ones desire to not offend, to keep thing even keel, and to be mansy-pansy about one's faith that is the problem. God tells us that the "lukewarm" HE will spew out of HIS mouth... The OP is merely proclaiming her faith, and letting the chips fall were the may. Offense is taken, and at other times the sentiments are appreciated. Why can't you respect her feelings? It is true that there are CHRISTIANS found in many organized religions... But then again, there are those who call themselves a "Christian" and yet are ashamed, and they want to hide their light out of fear that someone will take it wrong, now that is disrespecting Christ.

I don't follow Christ, I don't believe that Jesus was the son of God. My life and spirituality are not lacking in any way, shape, or form. For someone to insist that I'm less than them because I don't believe the same way is bull**** and offensive. For a nurse to do that to a patient is unconscionable and highly unethical.

[BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN]

I had a patient ask me last week if I've accepted the lord jesus Christ as my savior. Not appropriate at all. I don't ask patients, afford me the same courtesy!

You're right in the respect that many organizations frown upon one's sharing of their faith, but this is mostly due to political correctness gone awry. However, as long as she is sharing what the Holy Spirit exhorts her to share, then God will bring good out of every crazy, or misaligned thing that happens to her. No worries.

[Workitinurfava, BSN, RN]

This area is a very sensitive and touchy subject, be careful how you go about it.

[caliotter3]

it is not appropriate to bring religion into the workplace. You are there to do a job, not preach the Gospel. This goes for all religions. As a non-christian, I would personally be very offended and angry if my nurse told me I needed to be saved or needed to find Jesus. I would request to have him or her removed from my case, and would hope they would be counseled not to do it again. I want someone focused on my needs and care, and not focused on pushing their own agenda, regardless of how good their intentions are.

In total agreement. Would hope that the OP would include a request to the employer to adjust the time card for all time taken away from her patient care once she is on the job and chooses to push her faith instead of doing what she gets paid for. If I were a patient and had my peace of mind disturbed, you can be assured I would see that hospital administration would receive my complaint.

[wannabeny]

People become out-of-joint, simply when one mentions the fact that Jesus is the ONLY WAY. That is not a mystery, but it is ones desire to not offend

Actually, Jesus doesn't exist in my book, so your point is nonexistent from my perspective. It can also be nonexistent from someone of another faith. Or someone like me who doesn't believe in it.

The OP is merely proclaiming her faith,

She isn't merely proclaiming her faith. She is taking steps to shove her faith down anyones throat that she can. Giving random bibles to classmates because she feels like they don't have faith, or practice like she does, talking about it to patients. Your faith is your own, not the majority.

Why can't you respect her feelings?

Why can't she respect OTHER peoples feelings? Her faith has no place in the workplace, unless asked. And likewise in school. Believe what she wants, but other people have different perceptions of what faith means to them.

If I had a nurse who would rather preach to me about how religion, I'd file a complaint as well as tell her to stay far away from me.

[wannabeny]

I stand ready to speak of Christ Jesus to any who express interest. Since I work in homes, I am very aware that I am a guest. This is THEIR home.

^^^this. All day long.

[BeckyESRN]

I liken this to that co-worker who sells avon, mary-kay, pampered chef, thirty-one, ect. They would be fired for pushing their "business" on patients and co-workers, same deal here. I've prayed with patients plenty of times and I'm very happily atheist. Religion does not have any place at work, unless it's the religion of your patient. It's not about political correctness, it's about respect.