How to drop subtle hints with my nursing students about faith.

[HappyWife77]

Hi all! I am a new clinical nursing instructor and am wondering how to drop hints if possible about having faith. Especially as these are future nurses. I know that carrying the love of Christ shines bright and that in of itself is pretty awesome and an awesome testimony. Occasionally when they get stressed out about exams ill say..." besides studying now would be a great time to learn how to pray about things that concern you...and trust God. "

[DedHedRN]

My nursing instructors prayed in class, and I never really minded, because they were so nice and sweet and they did it quickly in such a positive manner. Example: "Oh lord, let everyone in class do well on the test today". We had a class on religion and spirituality and how it was an important aspect of wellness and was worth exploring within ourselves and our pts. We were not told what to believe but to respect each persons view, and thats what we all did. We also prayed at our graduation and had our graduation at a church.

[elkpark]

As a nursing instructor you can find out what faith related nursing careers there are. Google "Parish" nursing, or community faith based nursing, etc. and then let students know about these options. There are various faith related medical systems, many actually.It is not a secret.

I recently visited a well known State University Med Center and in the hospital, next to the ER, was a prayer/meditation room. It was beautiful, it had a waterfall. It offered pamphlets- all designed the same, the difference being one Christian, another Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim. within each, their prayers.

side note ...I notice many people responding to your post with a programmed response, something repeatedly said and heard in media, secular news, songs. But I think, as in example of the Med Ctr I just visited, people are finding common ground and this is a good thing. To get rid of the hysteria:-)

Blessings

Every hospital I've worked in or visited in my entire adult life, including the non-religious, non-church affiliated university medical center in which I am currently employed, has had a chapel/meditation room available to clients and staff. It's nothing new or special. However, there is a big difference between supporting the individual, personal beliefs of hospital clients and their families (without pushing anything on them) and "dropping hints" to students about what an instructor thinks they "should" believe.

[whealer]

It was my own spiritual faith that brought me to nursing. I love and embrace that you want to impart some of your own spirituality in the classroom. I wouldn't be offended by praying in class; although my spirituality is not exclusively Christian, we all are praying and live under the grace of a common source of enlightenment and healing. To that end, I find I learn best from other spiritually minded people by watching and shared conversation. As a nursing student soon to start class, I'll want to make sure I feel secure in learning how to be a nurse first and foremost.

From my own personal experience I performed charity work with the nuns that lived on our college. I was happy to pray with them and talk about spirituality so long as I had a chance to share my own spiritual salvation (rooted in shamanism). Regardless of whatever differences there might be, we all shared a common purpose to help others. You might benefit from starting a Christian or faith based charity group or circle. Faith based circles are great because people can share their own experiences and feelings without judgement. Imagine such a circle for nurses! I'd join in a heartbeat!

[Caribbean Character]

HappyWife, I am also a believer and understand about wanting to share the faith, but as has been (rudely at times) pointed out, the classroom is not the proper place. Have you considered sponsoring a student prayer group and/or bible study? You could even focus on scripture relating to nursing (compassion, healing, etc).

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

Which post was rude, perchance?

[science in flowers]

Faith is fine, religion is not in my opinion. An instructor should remain unbiased and neutral on various religions...however, since faith is a universal experiences see no problem with discussing it with students.

[HappyWife77, BSN, RN]

HappyWife I am also a believer and understand about wanting to share the faith, but as has been (rudely at times) pointed out, the classroom is not the proper place. Have you considered sponsoring a student prayer group and/or bible study? You could even focus on scripture relating to nursing (compassion, healing, etc).[/quote']

Great advice!! Allnurses rock!

[all4neuro]

Maybe, use "HOPE"

I was taught in nursing school to never loose it, and don't ever take it away from a patient that has it.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Hope, faith and spirituality are acceptable concepts for most people, since these are individualized and can apply however that person wishes. Nursing involves hope, faith and spirituality.

However,

The organized institution of religion is not the same as above, and if you're going to try to push one religion versus another on anyone who isn't receptive to it.....that's asking for problems, especially at school or work.

[TDub, MSN, EdD]

Do not not not do it. I am a Christian and never say anything about unless I am asked directly or my student says something directly and privately. Not everyone is a Christian and many people feel any attempt at sharing faith is hard-core proselytizing. Unless you teach in a completely privately funded college, that can be considered mixing church and state.

Remember, the Bill of Rights guarantees the ability to worship as we please, not to express religion as we please. No one can tear down your church-by witnessing, you are treading on their worship/belief system and metaphorically tearing down their church. And yes, atheism is a belief system. They have just as much right to think the way they do as we have to think the way we do.

You will also lose the respect of every student & colleague who do not adhere to your beliefs if you do this.

[mcdebb]

If anything ever slips out when explaining a situation.... Always remember to follow up with a comment like... THAT IS HOW I DID IT or TTHAT IS WHAT WORKED FOR ME...BUT EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT WITH DIFFERENT FAITHS. So whatever works for you!!!!

[eeffoc_emmig]

One word: DON'T.