Coworker tried converting me on my break

[CountryMomma]

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.*

[NurseEmmy]

Next time simply inform her you aren't willing to discuss that any further. Sometimes you answer a few questions and before you know it, you have given too much information away. She may not realize that this made you feel uncomfortable, especially since you let the conversation continue. Hopefully informing her that you aren't wanting to discuss this any longer will stop the conversation. If not then take it to your manager or HR.

[RNNPICU, BSN, RN]

Please let your co-worker know that the conversation made you feel uncomfortable. Let her know that you would prefer not to discuss those topics. If she continues to have these conversations, give her a warning that

"hey, if you continue ton have these conversations with me after I have nicely asked you to stop, I will need to report this as harassment Thank you for your concern about me, but I am okay. Soo. how is your shift going?

[VANurse2010]

While I agree this is not appropriate for work, or anywhere really if the person doesn't want to have the conversation, I'm surprised at how offended some of you get over this. I'm not religious, but I get into conversations regularly with people about it. I realize most people probably don't enjoy it as much as I do, but why is it offensive? Just laugh it off. If she starts witnessing to you again, or anyone else, just chuckle and say "I went down that road a long time ago and I'm happier with myself now that I ever was then" or whatever the case may be. If you don't want to talk about it at all just tell them very directly that you don't want to have the conversation.

Now, if it's a repeated thing and every time you're alone with this person they're aggressively trying to convert you, then it's a different situation. Then I would tell them firmly I don't want to discuss it anymore and I will report them if they insist on continuing, but don't just turn someone into management without at least fair warning.

Really though, as long as they're not trying to harm you, religion is kind of funny (no offense, I just see it that way). Just laugh it off and tell them a story about Jack and beanstalk.

Personally, I find it extremely offensive because these people have abused the country's political system to further their aims. In other words, they are very forcefully trying to use state power to impose their ways on others - be it abortion, gay marriage, school prayer, "faith-based" initiatives, whatever. If I have to put up with their ^&*( outside of work, I don't want to hear it when I'm there.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

I would have zero trouble telling someone off who tries to convert me at work. Mind your own business people. Your sense of duty to convert the world ends when it meets my right to make my own choices and to work in an environment that is not hostile. Religious pressure is considered a hostile work environment.

I am very blunt with both patients and coworkers. I don't discuss religion or politics at work.

[heron, ASN, RN]

I think it's a mistake to get all hot and bothered at being approached by an evangelical christian. It is a central expression of their faith to spread the good news and, as far as I can see, is a requirement if one is to live a christian life. It's gonna happen, and sometimes it happens to me. Like getting rained on or missing the bus.

As other posters have recommended, I find a way to say thanks, but no thanks. It generally helps to avoid editorial comments on the logic or reality of religion. Time enough to get adversarial if my boundary is not respected. I try to exercise the same level of tolerance I demand from others.

[CountryMomma, ASN, RN]

It has been very interesting to read the responses that have been posted. I thank everyone for responding - I've seem some very polite and firm responses that I plan to use if/when she starts up again.

I wonder if the varieties of responses are influenced by region/location. I was raised "North Dakota nice" where direct confrontation is discouraged and politics/religion is generally not discussed outside of the personal sphere. I was taken aback by her directness and inability to understand how uncomfortable I was.

Thanks everyone - you've given me plenty to think about.

[KeepItRealRN, BSN, RN]

I had this happen to me too but I also understand where the nurse who was witnessing to me is coming from as I was subjected to those teachings as a kid until I was a teenager. Sounds like this nurse is part of an Evangelical group and part of the teachings is that you are obligated to share the experience with others. Is it appropriate in the work place. Hell no. But you don't need to go to management, or report the nurse to HR which might ruin her career. Sin

Since the incident is done with, reporting her will not undo it. Have some guts and if it bothers you so much, talk to her in person and tell her that the conversation made you feel uncomfortable and that you prefer to not discuss religion with her again. Or at a minimum if you don't have the courage to talk with her directly right now, if she tries it again, then say something. But I have to say if it happens again you are partly responsible for leaving the door open from the last time. So unless you say something to her now and close the door on the subject, don't be surprised if she brings it up again.

I'm willing to bet that she is a good person who has had a hard life and her religion has helped her get her life back on track. It only makes sense that someone wants to share this. I'm not saying it is right. But try to understand a bit before you haul off and potentially torpedo her career.

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

If you want to have a little fun if asked about your religion, just lean in reaaal close and reply "are you familiar with aleister crowley?" For bible questions, referring to the necronimicon can put a spin on the conversation.

Most of the time, you'll get a blank stare. The goal is for them to get up and walk away.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

I am frankly stunned that anyone finds it acceptable to impose religious views on someone, no matter what the motivation. I liken it to being asked to show my underwear. It is as personal as it gets. Get away from me.

[XNavyCorpsman]

I would politely say that you are not interested and you see this as inappropriate. Do NOT complain to management YET. Act like a grown person and solve this yourself.

[heron, ASN, RN]

If you want to have a little fun if asked about your religion, just lean in reaaal close and reply "are you familiar with aleister crowley?" For bible questions, referring to the necronimicon can put a spin on the conversation.

Most of the time, you'll get a blank stare. The goal is for them to get up and walk away.

I disagree. First, it's necronomicon - was that a typo?

Second, I see no benefit in promoting snark in the workplace. It's a good response on AN or in the street or coffee shop, but upsetting a coworker for one's own amusement is not only bad manners but bad teamwork.

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Yeah, typo, i didn't check my copy to verify the spelling.

Someone wants to probe my religious preference, they're opening the door, not me.