How to Answer a Patient Who Asks: "Does God Exist?"

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Many patients asked me if God exists.  I said, yes, but I failed to prove it to them? Can anyone help me?

Specializes in Emergency medicine.
On 12/17/2020 at 4:03 AM, tnbutterfly - Mary said:

While it is important to be sensitive to the spiritual needs of the patient, along with the physical and emotional needs, as a nurse you must be careful how you approach this.  If the patient mentions it first, rather than tell them what your beliefs are, ask them about their thoughts and beliefs.  Do not be judgemental but be respectful of their beliefs.  Ask them if they would like to speak to a hospital chaplain or a Faith Community Nurse.

I wish you the best in meeting the spiritual needs of this patient.

You might find this article helpful:  The Nurse's Role in Providing Spiritual Care - Is It OK to Pray?

I definitely agree, especially in today's climate of sensitivity. This is probably the safest way to approach this question. Sometimes answering questions like this can lead you down a rabbit hole that might be hard to get out of.

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Specializes in ED, Tele, MedSurg, ADN, Outpatient, LTC, Peds.

Well said Mary!

Talk about rabbit holes and going off topic!

Reminds me of Taylor Swift's song, "Shake it off!"

That's exactly what I am going to do----!

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Specializes in Emergency Department.
17 hours ago, S.I.C. said:

GrumpyRN, NP is afraid of discussing about Christianity on this forum. 

He stated: "Yeah, I'm not getting involved in that level of dogma. One of us would end up being banned from the site. ??"

Oh dear, how little you know me. I am not afraid of discussing christianity with you or anyone. I have been doing it for a long time and grew up in a very christian/religious family and a time when the church was quite powerful so know exactly what christianity is about, and guess what? I may actually know more than you do because I have actually read the bible (You will find that a lot of atheists have).

As far as getting banned from the site;

a) This is now WAY off topic and the moderators will close it down soon,

b) If we start discussing religion we will very soon breach the TOS of the site. Trust me on that one - I have done it in the past.

 

You never actually answer anything. You promised to prove to me that god existed but conveniently went onto something else. You only really engage with people who agree with you. The level of religious mania you are showing is slightly scary and also makes me think you only joined this site to proclaim your beliefs. Are you actually a nurse?

 

So, good luck to you, but the subject of this topic was "How to Answer a Patient Who Asks: "Does God Exist?"" This has been answered multiple times but we have now degenerated into paedophilia which has no place here. What is next? The elders of Zion? Shape shifting lizards taking over the world? The Rothschilds?

Stay safe, stay well and have a good and happy 2021.

Lang may yer lum reek.

 

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Specializes in Mental health, substance abuse, geriatrics, PCU.
On 12/17/2020 at 4:03 AM, tnbutterfly - Mary said:

While it is important to be sensitive to the spiritual needs of the patient, along with the physical and emotional needs, as a nurse you must be careful how you approach this.  If the patient mentions it first, rather than tell them what your beliefs are, ask them about their thoughts and beliefs.  Do not be judgemental but be respectful of their beliefs.  Ask them if they would like to speak to a hospital chaplain or a Faith Community Nurse.

I wish you the best in meeting the spiritual needs of this patient.

You might find this article helpful:  The Nurse's Role in Providing Spiritual Care - Is It OK to Pray?

The thing is, I believe we do a good job at attending the spiritual needs of the Christian patient. We have chaplains for patient's in almost in service whether is the hospital, or hospice, many nursing staff pray with patients, LTC has church services, etc. I feel like the Christian patient has access to the spiritual support they need.

But what about patients with other belief systems? How would we provide spiritual support for the Buddhist patient, or the Hindu patient, or the Islamic patient? When I've been in that situation I had very few options and ultimately the family had to contact their own spiritual advisor which is fine but I felt bad that I couldn't just call someone down to talk to her.

Do you believe that connecting with your patient on a spiritual level only if they are of the same religion as you? (general you, not you actually)

I have seen some well meaning nurses try to connect with patients of different religions, but in an attempt to convert them to their own belief set. I realize that a part of Christianity is spreading the word, but I think there's a time and place for that and that's not at the hospital.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Hello, all! Please note this reminder of the Terms of Service:

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We promote the idea of lively debate. This means you are free to disagree with anyone on any type of subject matter as long as your criticism is constructive and polite. Additionally, please refrain from name-calling. This is divisive, rude, and derails the thread.

Our first priority is to the members that have come here because of the flame-free atmosphere we provide. There is a zero-tolerance policy here against personal attacks. We will not tolerate anyone insulting other's opinion nor name calling.

Our call is to be supportive, not divisive. Because of this, discrimination, racial vilification and offensive generalizations targeting people of other races, religions and/or nationalities, or sexual orientation will not be tolerated.

We do ask that posts speak to the topic of answering a patient's question about the existence of God.

Thank you!

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Specializes in ED, Tele, MedSurg, ADN, Outpatient, LTC, Peds.
3 hours ago, TheMoonisMyLantern said:

The thing is, I believe we do a good job at attending the spiritual needs of the Christian patient. We have chaplains for patient's in almost in service whether is the hospital, or hospice, many nursing staff pray with patients, LTC has church services, etc. I feel like the Christian patient has access to the spiritual support they need.

But what about patients with other belief systems? How would we provide spiritual support for the Buddhist patient, or the Hindu patient, or the Islamic patient? When I've been in that situation I had very few options and ultimately the family had to contact their own spiritual advisor which is fine but I felt bad that I couldn't just call someone down to talk to her.

Do you believe that connecting with your patient on a spiritual level only if they are of the same religion as you? (general you, not you actually)

I have seen some well meaning nurses try to connect with patients of different religions, but in an attempt to convert them to their own belief set. I realize that a part of Christianity is spreading the word, but I think there's a time and place for that and that's not at the hospital.

So true! Respect everyone and their beliefs! The best place I saw this in action was at a peds LTC. Although the spiritual director was a catholic nun , she had reached out to religious heads from other religions and also other Christian denominations! They gave her and the team guidance especially when the child was dying. Regular visit by faith volunteers also happened and everyone including staff pitched in for major holidays! 
 One of the practices of this facility was a cermony called reflections where the team, family say in a circle and shared memories! Lots of crying and laughter! Art work,finger painting, cards, singing, sign in sheets and masses/ other religious ceremonies  for all kids who died regardless of their faith or lack of. The pics of the children was posted outside the chapel as a reminder with poems and cards!

We celebrated our kids in life and death and their families trusted us!

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical Nurse, Community Health Nurse.

Hi Spotangel,

Thank you very much to all colleagues who enriched me in polite, constructive, and professional way with different approaches in responding carefully to the patient who asks a question related to the existence of God.

The year 2020 has been a bad year for many people, and now it is gone! I hope the new year 2021 comes with many blessings, good dreams and resolutions. One of my resolutions is to concentrate on more important aspects of my life in general, and my professional life in particular. As I put end to my participation and interaction in this forum, I sincerely thank you for your great insights  in providing me with excellent and various approaches in taking care of patients from different backgrounds as far as spiritual care is concerned. The rich experiences I received from some of you in dealing with patients in life and death are highly appreciated. I sincerely thank the administrators of this site who established it so that nurses can lean from each other in a constructive way! Thank you very much for the great job!

Happy New Year 2021 to all! 

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Specializes in ED, Tele, MedSurg, ADN, Outpatient, LTC, Peds.

We learn from each other respectfully and agree to disagree in some aspects! @allnurses gives us the freedom and opportunity to do that in a safe environment! Thanks to Brian who started this! Thanks to the administration that keep us on the highway!! 
Happy New Year!

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Specializes in retired from healthcare.
On 1/1/2021 at 10:31 AM, TheMoonisMyLantern said:

I was at work on a Sunday morning years ago and just happened to be passing by the cafeteria where there was a Sunday service going on for the residents and I overheard threats and intimidation which I find to be very offensive.  I can't see the logic in threatening old and vulnerable adults and I feel like this is emotional and mental abuse.  I do not think religion and insensitivity should fit together.   

 

I have seen some well meaning nurses try to connect with patients of different religions, but in an attempt to convert them to their own belief set. I realize that a part of Christianity is spreading the word, but I think there's a time and place for that and that's not at the hospital.

 

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical Nurse, Community Health Nurse.

There should be no threats and intimidation toward old residents or even any person related to religious beliefs.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.
12 hours ago, S.I.C. said:

There should be no threats and intimidation toward old residents or even any person related to religious beliefs.

I agree but what do you call telling people, including children, they will suffer eternal damnation and hellfire if they don't believe your particular philosophy? 

 

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Specializes in ED, Tele, MedSurg, ADN, Outpatient, LTC, Peds.

Tell them! I'll follow you there! Lead the way! LOL!

Seriously--tell them to prove their religion by actions that help others!

 Anyone can talk the talk, now walk the walk!

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