dealing with religion

[Pennylane@]

Hi everyone, i have worked in LTC for 21 years, and have had to deal with many types of religion and beliefs. At first this was very hard for me to accept but over the years it became easier. I have changed my beliefs years ago, after careful reading and thinking of the different ways to worship and the different ways to believe in the spiritual world. Through finding out more about the resident's beliefs, I found answers to questions I didn't even knew that I wanted to know. My questions to you are 1. How have you been effect by or dealt with a resident's spiritual belief? and 2. Has it changed your way of thinking at all. By the way, this lead me to be more accepting to cultural differences as well as races. Thank You. As nurses we are responsible for the total care of the resident.

[nursesarah]

i don't work in long term care, but i have had some experiences with patient's beliefs

1. i have been encouraged at times by pts beliefs. and i respect that their beliefs differ from my own and that they find it to be a support in their time of need. as well, if an individual needs certain spiritual care that i am not able ot provide, i ensure that the appropriate supports are there for them.

2. it has not changed my way of thinking or my own personal beliefs. i do not allow my personal beliefs to interfere with my patients care, spiritual or physical. but i do recognize that many people have beliefs that are different, or even against, my own beliefs. i simply focus on the patient's care....not my own feelings. this doesnt mean i dont accept another persons culture. its just a matter of recognizing that not you're not going to agree with everything everyone else believes :)

interesting topic