Don't be Judgmental!

[Emergent, RN]

I hear that a lot here at AllNurses, and also out in life. We mustn't be judgmental (especially not nurses).

Let me preface my post by saying that, some of the most judgmental people I've met frequently accuse others (people who disagree with their points of view mainly) of being judgmental. And, yes, I'm making a judgment by saying that.

In fact, confession here, I'm judgmental at times. I see exasperating behavior in my fellow men and women, I roll my eyes and sigh. Am I a judgmental person? Well, Webster say that's a tendency to judge harshly. I'm don't think that's the hallmark of my personality, but I'm sure some harsher judges than myself might disagree.

Full Definition of JUDGMENTAL

1: of, relating to, or involving judgment

2: characterized by a tendency to judge harshly

-- judg-men-tal-ly adverb

See judgmental defined for English-language learners »

Examples of JUDGMENTAL

• He's judgmental about everyone except himself.
  
• You should try to avoid being so judgmental.
  

People love to quote Jesus:

Matthew 7:1-5ESV / 134 helpful votes

"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

So, if the people accusing others of being judgmental are going by Jesus, they should take the judgmental logs ought of their own eyes before removing the specks out of their neighbor's. And don't forget, the Bible says many things about sin and behaviors to avoid too. I've noticed that many of the folk who say Jesus said not to judge are non-believers who want to keep doing stuff that the Bible says not to do.

So, to conclude, everyone has an opinion, that doesn't make us judgmental fools. We as nurses are required, only, to treat all patients fairly and well, even if we disagree with their lifestyle, don't like their race, religion, or how how much fat they have on their body. If we have negative opinions of a patient, we should skillfully hide them.

[ktwlpn, LPN]

Dang,you are so freaking judg:)mental!!!

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

We can quote the Bible in all sorts of ways, however, it is eye opening that people who stand on a "what would Jesus do" platform pick and choose certain sections to follow to the letter, and others, not so much.

The Bible has a lot to say regarding gossip, women dressing "like men" (wearing pants) being submissive to their husbands (cleave) who they are now the property of, wearing make up, cutting one's hair.....

In nursing, what one thinks about a situation or a person when they are on their own time is their business. But not when you are practicing. Same with the certain parts of the Bible they would like to follow--what I find astounding is (well I find a lot astounding, but story for another day) women being denied healthcare choices based on biblical beliefs by providers that are choosing which parts they would like to follow.

As opposed to if you are gonna stand on the Good Book, stand on all of it. Or don't base your practice on a couple of subjective verses that suit the personal need for a holier than thou situation.

If you are a good person, a good nurse, with good intentions and heart, that should reflect in one's practice. If the goal is to sway/degrade/whatever a patient for a choice that they can legally make then you need to rectify that with your Jesus, as if you follow your own belief system, it is up to the patient to rectify their actions with their own.

Be sure to pray for them at your next church service if the thought is that you need to be saving souls. And that is the goal, correct?

No one sleeps well with a heavy heart.

[RNperdiem, RN]

It is my observation that the people who shout "don't judge me" are the ones who know that people really are judged by their actions, and their actions are nothing to be proud of.

[Nola009]

I'm not judging your judgements. Think what you will, it's fine with me. As long as we all know it's a two way street we're on... it's all good. It honestly bothers me to work along side or (gasp) have a friend who acts like I should uphold and agree with their beliefs too. *Me* and very judgemental people tend to not last very long because of THAT reason, not their unique point of view. I am a tolerant person and that's the kind of folks I like to be around.

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

I only judge those that call in frequently and show up late and have no sense of teamwork. Then I will judge them as slackers. Otherwise I'm pretty non judgmental at work.

[ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP]

Judging is normal. It is human nature.

[Thimbalina]

It's kind of funny how we are to be 'not judgmental' and also exercise good judgment all at the same time. lol.

Seriously though, I think that nursing has made me less 'judgmental' instead of more so.

Also I think it is human nature to somewhat blame people for their terrible predicaments and find a 'reason' for the terrible things that happen. It is a way that humans cope and con themselves into thinking that that terrible thing would never happen to them because they are so much 'better' 'healthier' 'smarter' 'better educated' 'above' said behavior, lifestyle, et… being 'judgmental' is not limited to religious people, and certainly I can think of religious people who are the exact opposite of 'judgmental' (Mother Theresa)

Anyways, we need to remember that when we point a finger there are 3 pointing back at us and what we dislike in others are usually our own weaknesses which is kind of funny.