Coworker tried converting me on my break

[CountryMomma, ASN, RN]

So I thought that my workplace was fairly immune to this kind of behavior. There's a wide variety of religions and cultures in our staff and in our patients. I had just started feeling comfortable with my coworkers.

Yesterday my coworker tried converting me to Christianity while on lunch break. It was completely unexpected and horribly awkward, all mixed in with terribly insulting. She started innocently enough by asking me what religion I was. From there it went into why I'm not Christian, why don't I believe in Satan, how the Bible is real, how Jesus will save non believers only if they ask. Then she asked me to promise her that I'd re-read the Bible and ask her about any parts I don't understand.

I'm angry. Embarrassed. I don't want to "rock the boat" at my unit. She's been there longer than I have. At the same time, I'm worried she's doing the same to other employees or even patients.

I'm just curious - what would you do if you were in my situation? I'm still trying to weigh my options before I act.

*sorry for any weird errors. I'm on my phone.*

[caliotter3]

Next time she does this, I would silently get up and walk away from the area. If she does it again, I would provide a written complaint to management. You need not deal with harassment on the job.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Agree with PP. I would just add... be sure you tell this proselytizer (great word, huh?) to cease this conversation and never speak to you again in this way. Some people can't take a subtle hint, and I'm just guessing that this is one of the clueless ones.

[BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP]

I agree with above. Give her one polite warning and if she continues, go to management. This is harassment.

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

Since the first incident is already done and gone, nothing you can do much about it (nothing that matters, anyway).

But the next time she broaches it---and believe me, she will--just say simply that you listened to her talk about this last time, but you had NO intention of rehashing it. Tell her that the discussion is completely CLOSED, and you just WON'T go into it again. Ever. Period.

I'd like to think that'd do it. And if it does...yay! And if it doesn't, and the ignoramus starts chattering Jesus again, just get up, walk out, and grab a piece of paper on which to record the situation for your Nurse Manager's reading pleasure---or HR's.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I would begin by not getting into the conversation in the first place. At the first hint of trouble, I would clearly say that I am not interested in discussing religion and change the subject.

If she continued to bring the topic of conversation back to religion, my polite refusals would stay polite, but become increasingly firm. If she continued even after I had made it quite clear ... I would get up and walk away (and report her to the management.)

Another option that I would fantasize about but probably not do is to cheerfully suggest that you will listen to her sermon for 5 minutes if (and only if) she listens politely while you tell her everything you think is wrong about her religion.

No way I am putting up with that at work.

[mariebailey, MSN, RN]

I think if she brings it up again, you can tell her politely that you no longer wish to have these discussions with her. Maybe even tell her you find them offensive. Then move on. I would at least give this a shot before going to mgmt. It sounds like she may have good intentions, but she doesn't quite get how inappropriate that is in the workplace.

[NurseOnAMotorcycle, ASN, RN]

Wow. I agree that you would think she'd know better. I agree that you should say something to them if they do that again.

That's right up there with people selling My31 bags, etc. at work.

[JBudd, MSN]

Conversation on any topic is not "banned" on your own time, which is what break time is. However, when you let her continue and engaged in the conversation with her, you gave her tacit permission to continue. Simply say you don't want to talk about religion, change the subject, or ignore her. You shouldn't have to leave the break room on your own break. If she persists you may then take it to a different level as needed. I am an evangelical Christian, my faith is very important, if the subject comes up I am glad to talk to you; but if you don't want to then don't! And I won't either :)

If we allow workplaces to prohibit any free speech on our own time, union organization goes out the window, asking how to address concerns about bad practices on the floor, etc. may become taboo. It's okay to rock the boat.

[AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

I wouldn't rock the boat unless it continues. Just talk to her and let her know you do not have an interest in changing your religious beliefs and that you felt uncomfortable. Be blunt and tell her to stop, and only then if it continues would I go higher up.

Annie

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

I'm a Christian and I believe there is a time and place for everything. Perhaps that was not the right time. Next time, politely tell her you wish not to talk about it. Hopefully she will get the hint. I am all for witnessing to others, but only if I feel led to do so and the person is open to it. No, I do not do this with patients.

[amoLucia]

Am thinking not so much harassment, but she is creating 'a hostile work environment'. And that is something HR is responsible for preventing.

Personally, I think this is out of bounds and HR may need to be consulted. Sorry that you're 'making waves', but I believe that she has done this to others in the past and will probably continue to do so in the future unless it gets addressed through the proper channels.