Non christian RN @ Catholic hospital?

purplemania, BSN, RN · Feb 3, 2006

no matter where you work there will probably be a chapel as well as patients and co-workers with a different belief system. If your concern stems from a spiritual need perhaps you should talk to someone you trust. Otherwise, as far as work is concerned, I say it will not be an issue.

MultipurposeRN · Feb 3, 2006

I can't imagine religion or lack of it being an issue. I work at a Sisters of Mercy Hospital. Ours has a great ministry department and Palliative care program. No prayers over the intercom, though. Which I think would be comforting. I'm Christian, though Protestant, but I love our nuns, the priest, and all our ministers. They do a great job. One of the nuns was told back in 1962 that she had 6 months to live after being diagnosed w/ breast cancer. Her response was to say that she would just work til the Lord called her home. It's 2006, and she's still working! :saint:

Dalzac, LPN, LVN, RN · Feb 3, 2006

I love working in a catholic hospital I worked from 1975 to 1983 where I work now. I quit and came back in 1990 and have been here since. I regretted quiting long ago. For the most part all the folks I worked with in 1980 are still here. So that gives you a good idea what the turnover rate was.

GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN · Feb 3, 2006

I used to work for a Catholic nursing home. I am Catholic but I worked with a lot of people who weren't. It was not an issue. There weren't many differences. Some of the differences were: no meat served on fridays, daily mass offered, but no one was required to attend, a Eucaristic Minister brought Eucarist to those who were bed bound, and there were Catholic statues, paintings and such throughout the facility, and plastic rosary's given to those who wanted them. Since it wasn't a hospital and all residents were past their reproductive age birth control was not an issue. A protestant gathering occured once a month for those who wished to attend. Nothing shoved down anyone's throat. People of many religions worked and lived there. The only thing I remember being a problem ever was a girl who worked there was pregnant and wanted to have her tubes tied during her c-section. Her insurance would pay for it, but she was required to have it done in the Catholic hospital. The Catholic hospital refused to do it. So if she wanted it done she would have to pay out of pocket and get it done elsewhere.

tvccrn, ASN, RN · Feb 3, 2006

I work in a catholic hospital and I have been here for the better part of 10 years. I am pagan and most of the people I work with know this. Some of the administration know this. Apart from some good-natured jokes and some very intelligent questions from the staff, there is no difference. There are little visuals things in the hospital that remind you they are a catholic facility and the name of the organization reflects the heritage, but I have no problems at all. Even some of the patients know my path and they are mostly very interested in hearing about it. I usually tell them something very general and very brief then leave it at that.

10ACGIRL · Feb 3, 2006

What are your thoughts about non-Christian nurses working in Faith based hospitals (Catholic, Methodist, whatever). Are you a non-Christian or even atheist nurse working in a hospital associated with a church? What is it like - does it matter?
I am not a Christian. I am currently rotating through a Catholic hospital for clinical. I absolutely LOVE this facility! The equipment is top notch, the staff is wonderful and the programs they offer GN's are incredible. Even the daily prayers over the PA are peaceful and lovely. Would it be difficult or awkward or tacky or anything to work here, as a non-Christian, non-Catholic? Any suggestions? Should I read up and know all about Catholicism? What do you do if a pt were to ask you to participate in rituals, etc?

When I was a Volunteer nurses in a hospital in Chattanooga,TN. It was a Catholic Hospital and they had prayers over the PA System and even though I am a southern bapt.. I had no problem with it. I only wished other christian hospitals would do the same

glenwood · Jun 24, 2006

As an atheist I worked at Catholic hospitals and never had a problem. The staff refered women to Planed Parenthood or similar places if they had a problem associated with reproduction. The doctors wrote prescriptions for birth controll and did counseling but didn't chart it. I found religious value systems easier to deal with than maximise the profits systems.

MS._Jen_RN, ASN, RN · Jun 24, 2006

Me too. I'm not sure quite what religion I am, but it's certainly not Catholic and I work for a Catholic hospital, in a Catholic Health system. I LOVE it. There are many hospitals in my area and this is the one I know of with the staff witht he best attitudes. There are no prayers on the PA, I think that we preform all medical procedures, and there are people of many faiths working here side by side. As long as you are there to do the best by the patient no one cares. You don't have to know a thing about Catholisism (sp?).

~Jen

maolin · Jun 24, 2006

Wow - it's funny to read something I posted way back then (when I was still a student...heheh!)

Update: I actually did apply to the hospital for their outstanding new grad program. I got the job and just finished my first week of orientation! It's the best thing I've ever done. I LOVE this hospital. The Catholic part is a big part of the foundation of the hospital, but it's basic human principles and values this company revolves around - and I'm so glad I'm a part of that too. Bottom line is caring for and treating all patients with excellent care regardless of economic or social status, age, faith, lifestyle or television programming preferences.

I am so HAPPY! Can't wait to get this weekend over with so I can go back to work next week!!! *giggle*

MS._Jen_RN, ASN, RN · Jun 24, 2006

Wow - it's funny to read something I posted way back then (when I was still a student...heheh!)
Update: I actually did apply to the hospital for their outstanding new grad program. I got the job and just finished my first week of orientation! It's the best thing I've ever done. I LOVE this hospital. The Catholic part is a big part of the foundation of the hospital, but it's basic human principles and values this company revolves around - and I'm so glad I'm a part of that too. Bottom line is caring for and treating all patients with excellent care regardless of economic or social status, age, faith, lifestyle or television programming preferences.
I am so HAPPY! Can't wait to get this weekend over with so I can go back to work next week!!! *giggle*

Glad you're happy. I didn't look at teh date on the original post:)

~Jen

PANurseRN1 · Jun 24, 2006

I think there was a thread about this. I think the hospital you are at must be a little unusual, because I've done contracts at some Catholic Hospitals, and they never had prayers over the PA....
Are all the patients Catholic??
Personally, I believe you , as a Nurse, are hired to do the nursing care, and as long as you respect the way the hospital works, and such, you would be fine to work there.

Not necessarily. I went to a nursing program based in a Catholic hospital. Every morning at 0800 a nun would recite the "Hail Mary" over the PA system. I'm not Catholic, but after the first year, I knew it by heart.

I don't think your religious/lack of religious affiliation should be a problem. The hospital I referred to was sold some years ago to a for-profit company, so it was no longer a Catholic hospital. There was definitely a big change in the atmosphere afterward. And not for the better.