Non christian RN @ Catholic hospital?

KatieBell · Feb 2, 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.

Trauma Columnist · Feb 2, 2006

I work at a large Catholic hospital and we have prayers twice a day over the PA. This is a very good hospital to work at. Doesn't matter your religion.

nursemelani · Feb 2, 2006

I agree with Katie- As long as you don't mind that many of your patients and co-workers have strong religious beliefs, then there shouldn't be a problem.

My only problem with the catholic church is that it does not believe in birth control. Same with their hospitals. A woman can have 6 kids and be dirt poor, but they won't do a tubal ligation or prescribe her birth control.

Still, I could work at a catholic hospital. I would find the prayer over the P.A. comforting too.

Redlady · Feb 2, 2006

I'm agnostic but hope to work in a Catholic hospital nearby. It's a wonderful facility.

Jolie, BSN · Feb 2, 2006

Every hospital and every system is different, but my very best experience as a staff RN came in working at a Catholic hospital in the deep south, of all places! Employees and patients alike were treated with the utmost respect. The only time faith was ever really brought up was during our orientation when we were taught how the core values of the Sisters of Mercy were tied to the organization's mission statement, and how we, as employees were to carry them out.

There were some practical considerations, as well, such as no tubal ligations performed, and no birth control measures dispensed. Physicians could prescribe these meds and devices, but they had to be filled off premises. This did not pose a problem, as patients were well aware of these constraints long before they came in to deliver.

I don't recall knowing the religious beliefs of most of my co-workers, as it just wasn't an issue. I was a non-practicing Catholic at the time, and felt no pressure or ill will from anyone.

If you have such positive feelings about this hospital, don't rule it out simply because of religious affiliation. Good luck!

mommy2boys · Feb 2, 2006

I was hospitalized at a Catholic hospital for 4 days once, and I'm not Catholic. I'm a Christian, who doesn't go to church as often as I should. I didn't have any problems at the hospital. They asked me what faith I was, and if I was interested in having a Father or Sister come to visit. I said that I wasn't interested (it wasn't them, I just didn't want to see anyone because I was in so much pain) and they were very understanding.

So I don't think that the patients are all one faith. I know I wasn't a Catholic, and they treated me wonderfully.

As for working in one, I can't give you any input. But as long as you don't have a problem with it, then I'm sure it will be fine.

pepper_rn · Feb 2, 2006

I consider myself a person of faith but not really into a specific religion and I did clinicals and worked at a wonderful Catholic hospital. Like other posters have said, this hospital did daily prayer over the PA. I live in a pretty small area without alot of religious diversity so no-one, to my knowledge ever complained. I believe that a persons over all healing has alot to do with their faith (just my opinion). So whatever your religious affliation, or none if the case may be, if it helps out the patient's then I am all for it. What's that old poem that says, "Embrace God, whatever you concieve him to be?"

Best of luck to you

Pepper :)

ICRN2008, BSN, RN · Feb 2, 2006

I work for a Catholic health system, and other than not covering birth control, IVF or tubal ligation under the employee health insurance there aren't any major differences. Obviously these kind of procedures are not performed inside any of our facilities. Oh, and we have to do some kind of "reflection" before we start each meeting. It doesn't have to be religious, though, and most managers just read a page out of a book about leadership, caring or something like that. We have people of all faiths as employees and patients, and it's never been a problem as far as I know. Disclaimer: I happen to be Catholic, so I can't necessarily say what my perspecitve would be if I were athiest, Jewish, etc. I would advise you to go for it and not to bother learning anything about Catholicism if you don't want to. As far as I can tell it's really not necessary if you work for a Catholic hospital.

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Feb 2, 2006

There are plenty of nonAdventists working at Florida Hospitals, and plenty of Christians and Muslims working at at Jewish facilities.

Kim O'Therapy, BSN, RN · Feb 2, 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?

I worked for many years at a Catholic hospital and the staff came from all walks of life; however, there were some procedures they would not do for religious reasons (abortions, tubal ligations, etc.). Now, this may vary by facility, but I don't think your religion (or lack thereof) could legally be considered during the hiring process. Good luck.

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Feb 3, 2006

This sounds like a fabulous place to work! I think you should apply, and I agree - as long as you abide by their policies, I think you'd be just fine.

Wow. I'd love to find a place like this when I get out of school. What a calming effect it could have on patients, staff, and visitors. Sounds wonderful. :)