EVANGELISM IN WARD

Red Kryptonite · Jan 11, 2015

My first reaction to this question was that the way the OP is acting, I can see why there might be violence.
Catmom :paw:

Wow, really? I guess those Christians beheaded by ISIS, including the children, got what they deserved since they wouldn't just shut the hell up.

To answer the OP, I'm as religious as they come, but pushing conversion on a sick, vulnerable person is unethical. The only evangelizing that should be going on by health care workers is the kind that comes from people noticing your great attitude and sense of peace and joy. If they ask, then talk about it, but otherwise, just let your actions show the effects of faith in your life. In your part of the world you very well could face martyrdom for your faith, and I pray that test doesn't come your way, but if it does, that you'll meet it with strength, faith, and hope.

Also, I apologize for the reaction you received here. It wasn't very charitable.

CKPM2RN, ASN, EMT-P · Jan 11, 2015

I also was evangelized (?) post-surgery during my discharge. I was stunned and since I worked at the same hospital only 6 months before, I knew policy very well and I turned this nurse in for breaking policy. I was offended that she thought gaining new members to her church was more important than discharge instructions.

dishes, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2015

oyinz, I was deeply saddened to read of the massacre of thousands civilians in Nigeria in the last two days. I am far away and can only imagine what it is like to be in your country right now but my thoughts for you are; may you be free from danger, may you be free from suffering, may you be healthy, may you be at peace.

Trauma Columnist · Jan 12, 2015

From the posters spelling, I agree that he/she is probably not in the US.

Ruas61, BSN, RN · Jan 12, 2015

Yeah, lets suggest that someone who evangelizes deserves violence.

Let's call posters trolls as we see fit. (Particularly one who has been POLITE- they are the worst. See the report button?)

You know what, you all can disagree with his statements but to suggest these things in the manner it has been said is calling the kettle black on some levels.

bas22 · Jan 12, 2015

I think evangelism in nursing can be a good thing. I became a nurse because I was called to do so by the Lord- I serve God by serving others and caring for His children in times of great need. It is my hope that Jesus uses me as a vessel to provide compassionate and merciful care. I would never, ever push my beliefs on another person; but if the opportunity arose and was initiated by a patient, I would absolutely share the Gospel, as it is the song of my soul. Evangelism on a â€˜ward' can be a good thing if used appropriately. Sharing the Gospel is different than preaching the Gospel.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Jan 12, 2015

My first reaction to this question was that the way the OP is acting, I can see why there might be violence.
Catmom :paw:

Um...I hope I'm taking this the wrong way. But do you realize that Nigeria is #10 on the list of countries where Christian persecution is the worst? We're talking church bombings, kidnappings, rape, torture...even martyrdom. In parts of Nigeria, Christians can't even access healthcare. How's that for equal access?? I don't care how verbally obnoxious someone is (not referring to OP; I've never had a conversation w/ OP)...there is nothing that justifies those actions. NOTHING. Not daring to congregate, not slandering Mohammed, and certainly not the desire to tell someone about Jesus. NOTHING.

This issue is very close to my heart; enough so that the whole reason I wanted to get into trauma nursing was so that I could work for the VOMedical someday (you can Google or You Tube it). Plus I have family who are missionaries in a hostile nation.

Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP · Jan 12, 2015

OP - If you feel compelled to preach the Gospel, you might try out what I've heard attributed to St. Augustine and various other religious types (I am a Christian as well).

"Preach the Gospel at all times. If necessary (in other words if asked), use words."

In other words, let your life be your example. And on the wards, that generally means giving good care, having high professional standards, and treating all your patients as you would want to be treated. Anyone can do this, not just Christians.

Be safe.

PMFB-RN, RN · Jan 12, 2015

Yeah, lets suggest that someone who evangelizes deserves violence.

I read this whole discussion and didn't see anyone suggest violence twords the OP. Simply pointing out the realiety that evangelizing could possibly result in violence, and we have many modern examples of that, is a far cry from suggesting violence.

Except in the case of self defence, or the defence of the helpless, violence is immoral and wrong.

PMFB-RN, RN · Jan 12, 2015

Um...I hope I'm taking this the wrong way.

I took it as a statement of realiety. We have examples of people becoming victims of violence for evagelizing. I can't speak for Catmom1 but it did not appear to me that she was advocating for violence.

But do you realize that Nigeria is #10 on the list of countries where Christian persecution is the worst? We're talking church bombings, kidnappings, rape, torture...even martyrdom. In parts of Nigeria, Christians can't even access healthcare. How's that for equal access??

Yes, I realize that Nigeria is one of the few places where Chrstians are being persecuted, rather than doing the persecuting.

I don't care how verbally obnoxious someone is (not referring to OP; I've never had a conversation w/ OP)...there is nothing that justifies those actions. NOTHING. Not daring to congregate, not slandering Mohammed, and certainly not the desire to tell someone about Jesus. NOTHING.

I fully agree that except in the case of self defence, or the defence of others, violence is wrong and immoral and nothing except defence justifies it.

GrumpyRN, NP · Jan 12, 2015

This is a very important area in the christaindom..
We should try to spread the gospel in our various ward as nurses

NO!!!!

It's bad enough when patients do it without staff doing it - yes, I have had patients proselytising to me as I've treated them.

The Nigerians I have met are very religious people and I can respect that but not at the bedside with vulnerable people.

Ward is the correct term in the UK.

I also wonder is the OP carrying out a Nigeria 419 scam? (Google it)

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Jan 12, 2015

I took it as a statement of realiety. We have examples of people becoming victims of violence for evagelizing. I can't speak for Catmom1 but it did not appear to me that she was advocating for violence.

I hope you're right and that I took it the wrong way.

Yes, I realize that Nigeria is one of the few places where Chrstians are being persecuted, rather than doing the persecuting.

Unfortunately it's not one of a few places. I'm not aware of persecution by Christians in any comparable sense...and to be clear, I don't consider people like the Phelps outfit to be Christians. They use the word "Baptist" in their name, but focus all their energy against actions to the point of being verbally and spiritually abusive, and NEVER preach the gospel as stated in the Christian Bible. Here and there I've heard white supremacists use god-lingo, but white supremacy has no basis in the Bible--only in the evil heart. Not to mention Jesus himself was Semitic, so the notion that God has some sort of regard for white people is stupid. All of my neighborhood mosques and halal market, synagogue, spiritual center, etc. exist without so much as the fear of graffiti. Their members have equal legal rights.

But if anyone who does profess to be a Christian feels justified in persecuting members of other groups--really persecuting, not witnessing--then they are wrong and will have to face their Maker for that.

I fully agree that except in the case of self defence, or the defence of others, violence is wrong and immoral and nothing except defence justifies it.

You're absolutely right...I didn't make that exception in my earlier post, but it's an important one to make. :yes: