Published Jun 13, 2011
tokmom, BSN, RN
4,568 Posts
Every Wed and or Thur, when our chaplain is at our facility (hopefully full time) she does a nice message or prayer for the family and staff. I really enjoy them. It sort of helps center my day.
When babies are born, they play "Happy Birthday"
Anyone else have something like this?
SneakySnake
86 Posts
The hospital where I had all my babies had a daily prayer in the morning over PA system. I loved it :) Part of the reason I chose that hospital
Flo., BSN, RN
571 Posts
Thankfully my hospital does not do this.
danh3190
510 Posts
No. We're not a religious based hospital and are part of a large system. We do have chaplains who round, but no public hospital-wide prayer etc.
Really, why? I work for a Catholic hospital and it was one reason I chose it.
Been there,done that, ASN, RN
7,241 Posts
Hahha . Timed well following the" verbal abuse " post.
My facility has a blurb after announcing the end of visiting hours.
"And the ___ Medical Center strives for excellent customer service"
Little Miss Coffee
32 Posts
In a Catholic or other religiously affiliated hospital, prayers could be reasonably expected, but in another hospital people who are not of that specific religion may not want to hear it (even though it is well intended). I can understand their perspective, especially if they feel some tension with the religion espoused in the prayer (even though I personally default to seeing anyone praying for me as being a good thing).
BUT. Playing Happy Birthday sounds nice. :) And general inspiration sounds good too, but unfortunately all of this is highly subjective. What heartens one patient/family may just annoy or embitter another. Ever met someone who REALLY hates motivational posters? I think that's why many hospitals don't have anything like that except for the hospital's "catch phrase."
merlee
1,246 Posts
It is only appropriate at a religious-based facility. And if that is the reason (overhead prayer) that you chose a facility, I don't know what to say!!!
Many, many years ago, I worked at a Catholic hospital, and a prayer was said every day @ 8:05 AM. Most days, it was The Lord's Prayer. After working there about 5-6 months, a patient asked me to pray with her. We said The Lord's Prayer. I couldn't believe I knew this - I am Jewish!!!! Oh, those overhead prayers!!!
I am not religious and while I would not intefer with someone practicing thier religion I don't want to hear a prayer everyday over the loud speaker. As far playing happy birthday when a baby is born that's super sweet for the new family but what about the woman who just lost her baby or someone who received a terminal diagnosis who will not be having any more birthdays?
I have had two late mid trimester losses, so understand the pain. Those prayers and even the happy birthday gave me comfort and hope. Maybe that was just me.
(((((tokmom))))) Sorry for your loss.
psu_213, BSN, RN
3,878 Posts
I am not religious either...I would not be upset if my hospital said an overhead prayer, nor am happy that they don't. Being at a non-denominational hospital, I would agree that it is not really appropriate to have an overhead prayer.
However, I think the OP questioned your being "thankful" that your hospital does not say a prayer because I (and I'm guessing the OP as well...sorry to put words in someone else's mouth) think your resonse seems rather cold. Sorry, just saying.