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

manusko · Oct 3, 2013

One word: DON'T.

Technically two.

OCNRN63, RN · Oct 5, 2013

Technically two.

Three words.

allnurses Guide · Oct 5, 2013

A contraction is one word.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Oct 5, 2013

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. "

Please don't drop any hints. Unless you're teaching at a religious school, it's inappropriate and out of place.

If any instructor of mine had told me to learn to pray and trust God, I'd have been incensed. That sort of thing can -- and should -- get you fired!

brookeycookie · Oct 7, 2013

I work for an SDA hospital, and went to the university associated with the SDA system. I must say, religion was a huge part of my ASN, which really made me upset that I was being forced to learn about something I was not interested in. That said....

When you go into this profession, you deal with people every day. If you are lucky enough to work in an acute care, hospital setting, you soon realize there must be a higher being for lives to be saved or lost the way they are.

I believe, after my forced experience with religion during nursing school, that it is necessary to be able to identify with a patient - to take their hand and pray with them, or just speak with them, good thoughts and hopes and prayers.

It's really a delicate topic, but being comfortable with what you believe and understanding faith is the foundation for medicine and healthcare, you will be ok.

kaela_v · Oct 17, 2013

I agree with the overall consensus. Sharing religion in the classroom is inappropriate!

But personally, I do look toward my religion and pray when circumstances at work are looking bleak.

CyndleT319 · Nov 6, 2013

I am a Christian, and a student. I think that just like the students see Christ in you, you'll see it in them (hopefully) and you'll be able to make the best judgment about how to respond to your students with love even if you don't say the word "Jesus". The fruit of the spirit will show through you. I know there are many times as a student where I wished I could go to a Christian school where I knew that my professors were praying for me. Even for students who may not believe in a god, it could still be comforting.

You have to remember that most people believe in "god", it just may not be your God.

BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN · Nov 8, 2013

This question honestly shocks me. I'd expect an adult professional to know better. I would find any mention of any religion highly offensive. I would go monkey poop if you even hinted at it and I'd complain to anyone who would listen, and I'd keep complaining up the ladder until someone did listen. It is completely inappropriate. I would hope one would be disciplined and possibly fired depending upon what was said. There is no place for that sort of thing in secular schools of higher learning. None.

CyndleT319 · Nov 13, 2013

This question honestly shocks me. I'd expect an adult professional to know better. I would find any mention of any religion highly offensive. I would go monkey poop if you even hinted at it and I'd complain to anyone who would listen, and I'd keep complaining up the ladder until someone did listen. It is completely inappropriate. I would hope one would be disciplined and possibly fired depending upon what was said. There is no place for that sort of thing in secular schools of higher learning. None.

And it's not wrong to kick someone out of their teaching position for they're sexual preference or world view? But it's right to kick them out and cost them their livelihood for their religious affiliation. Explain that logic to me, please. It makes no sense to me.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, even if its not your own. You want your opinion to not be offended, but what about me being offended by your opinion? It's a two-way street.

elkpark · Nov 13, 2013

And it's not wrong to kick someone out of their teaching position for they're sexual preference or world view? But it's right to kick them out and cost them their livelihood for their religious affiliation. Explain that logic to me, please. It makes no sense to me.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, even if its not your own. You want your opinion to not be offended, but what about me being offended by your opinion? It's a two-way street.

It's not a question of "kicking someone out" for the person's religious affiliation or beliefs; it's a matter of the behavior at work being inappropriate.

lovenotwar14 · Nov 13, 2013

Refreshing to see an instructor who genuinely cares about their students. I would love if I had an instructor to help renew my faith.

lovenotwar14 · Nov 13, 2013

This question honestly shocks me. I'd expect an adult professional to know better. I would find any mention of any religion highly offensive. I would go monkey poop if you even hinted at it and I'd complain to anyone who would listen, and I'd keep complaining up the ladder until someone did listen. It is completely inappropriate. I would hope one would be disciplined and possibly fired depending upon what was said. There is no place for that sort of thing in secular schools of higher learning. None.

And this is why the world is in such disarray. Smh.