My client's Christian parents figure out that I'm Christian

[Kitiger]

When my client's parents are Christian, they figure out pretty quickly that I am also a Christian. I actually am not sure how this works; I don't speak 'King James', nor do I go in stating that I'm a Christian. A client has the right to keep his religion to himself, and I don't bring up the subject.

Do any of you have the same experience?

[kakamegamama]

So, in fact, I DO speak 'King James'; I just don't realize it.

Unless it's NIV..... ;-)

[klone, MSN, RN]

I think if a person is Christian, they default think everyone else is too.

[Kitiger, RN]

Unless it's NIV..... ;-)

Actually, my favorite is NASB. :)

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

Especially if you live in the Bible Belt LOL

[TruvyNurse]

I wear a Virgin Mary medal I got when I was confirmed almost daily. If a patient mentions it, I just smile or say "it means a lot to me" if they ask if I believe in God, i say yes but don't go on from there.

[SpankedInPittsburgh, DNP, RN]

People "figure out" that I'm a Christian all the time. I'm not. However, the experience is not about me and I almost never have corrected them. If it gives them comfort they can attach any label they want to me. I'm old white & Irish and I think most folks in our largely Catholic community assume that I'm still a practicing Catholic. If this misconception helps in their time of need so be it as it is of no cost to me

[Orion81RN]

Why do you care if they know you're a Christian? Especially if they're Christian too? Many Christians are proud when people can identify them by their actions and not their words.

I even went to church with my PDN patient last week. It was great. The mom is very talkative on the subject. It can become a problem, though, when our beliefs do not match up. I'm a Christian who believes in Evolution. I will not let her know this as she has very strong feelings on the matter. I let her talk all she wants about it (her daughter is dying soon, and she is especially leaning on God right now, so its often talked about.) I just keep my own mouth shut when I realize we have differing beliefs.

Some people are judgemental about whether you read King James or NIV, for example. Just need to learn how to gear conversations away when things start getting uncomfortable.

[Emergent, RN]

There are little clues, often. Christians will say things like "I'm so blessed". That's code for 'I'm a Christian'.

[verene, MSN]

There are little clues, often. Christians will say things like "I'm so blessed". That's code for 'I'm a Christian'.

Or just someone who believes in God(s/ess(es)). Or someone who feels that the universe has been exceptionally kind to them. Or just a figure of speech.

I find most Christians take any vaguely spiritual language or not shutting down their speech as meaning that I must also be a Christian. I can agree with the sentiment expressed, with out sharing beliefs. Therapeutic communication means I listen and I may use their terms in our conversation. This builds rapport and trust and can clarify communication. This is also a lot easier than me having to explain the terms I use for same/similar concepts, which would make the conversation about me and derail it from their needs. If they want to make assumptions about my beliefs, and it helps them, they can, but I do refer to spiritual care any requests to lead prayers, provide last rights, or interpret theological matters.

Usually it is not an issue and they can assume whatever they want about me, however, I have on two occasions had to put my foot down and state that I was not Christian in order to not comprise a patient's spiritual care when a patient/family repeatedly demanded that I be the one to preform an aspect of spiritual care and would not believe me when I said I was unqualified, until I brought my non-Christianity into the picture. I did arrange for a Chaplain qualified in their traditions to come and provide the care.

[Have Nurse, ADN, RN]

Yes. And I am always happy to meet another member of "family." We aren't suppose to keep our "light hidden under a bush."

[Have Nurse, ADN, RN]

It can be, but not always. Other faiths use that word too.

[Have Nurse, ADN, RN]

That was wise. I guess what it really narrows down to is where we each stand with God. And that is a personal and sacred thing. It can bring comfort to those going through a rough patch. I have been asked to pray for others and I ask permission, if they are comfortable, to pray with them. We treat the patient holistically. Mind, body and spirit. We can't forget that. For many of us, Nursing is a ministry of sorts.