an RN is a practicing Jehovah's witness

[strawberryrnc1611]

Has anyone had an issue with an RN that is a JW and demands exceptions with holidays, scheduling, etc.? Are there full exceptions with certain days to work? Are there provisions made by the "elders" to allow the RN to work? Do "elders" hold the practice above the profession?

[SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN]

I've worked with a vast number of folks in my career, from Christians to Muslims to Buddhists to Hasidic Jews. NONE of them, and I do mean NONE, expected special consideration for their holidays. A Muslim captain worked 12s all through Ramadan. A Jewish colonel takes call and works on the Sabbath when it's his turn. And Christians of all sorts are expected to work Sunday and over holidays.

The bottom line is that healthcare is a 24-hour operation. If someone has beliefs that make them too special to work with the rest of us, then they need to find employment in a different profession or in a job that offers hours that are conducive to their beliefs. As a manager, I would hesitate to show any preferential treatment by granting time off based on religious beliefs. That sets a precedent and unrealistic expectations for everyone else.

[Sassy5d]

I do find it interesting that a jw would demand a holiday off, especially since they do not celebrate holidays (religious), even birthdays. I would raise an eyebrow at a person who demands holidays off in the name of their Jehovah witness faith.

[SycamoreGuy]

I do find it interesting that a jw would demand a holiday off, especially since they do not celebrate holidays (religious), even birthdays. I would raise an eyebrow at a person who demands holidays off in the name of their Jehovah witness faith.

That's what I was thinking.

[CT Pixie, BSN, RN]

I do find it interesting that a jw would demand a holiday off, especially since they do not celebrate holidays (religious), even birthdays. I would raise an eyebrow at a person who demands holidays off in the name of their Jehovah witness faith.

You took the thought right out of my head.

I've worked with people who are JW and never had they requested or required holidays off. As a matter of fact, in my SNF, the JW workers were the first people to go to if you wanted to take the holiday off.

[Sassy5d]

I did, however, work with a nurse who refused flu shot stating it's against Jw faith... I am not Jw expert, but I married one after he was excommunicated from the church. So I do have a minor base of understanding.

[OCNRN63, RN]

I'm a JW. We don't celebrate any holidays. The only special observation we have is called the "Memorial," which commemorates Christ's last supper with his disciples. It's never held on the same day each year; it's scheduled so that it would be taking place on the "anniversary" of the evening meal. (Think of it this way: your birthday is never observed on the same day of the week every year.) A JW who is working would try to be off work that day if they worked 3-11, since the Memorial is held after sundown.

Regarding the JW who refused the flu shot. There is no rule that you can't have a flu shot. It's considered a conscience decision since the shot may contain minor fractions of blood. Some people are more rigid about this than others.

The elders really have nothing to do with employment, unless someone takes a job that would clearly conflict with our beliefs, e.g. I don't think you'd find a JW working in a strip club.

I really hope this doesn't turn into a "Let's bash JW's" thread. We already have copious threads like that in the archives. You may not agree with someone's beliefs, but everyone deserves basic respect.

And others were right about the holidays. I would often work major holidays so someone could be off to be with friends and family. The only time I stayed off on a holiday is when I started getting taken advantage of; then I would take the holiday off if I was scheduled to be off.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

There is the Memorial of Jesus' Death, in mid April, but I think that's it

2014 Memorial of Jesus' Death

ha, I see ocnrn63 beat me by a minute.

[OCNRN63, RN]

Thank you for providing the link, Mr.ChicagoRN.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

I'm a JW. We don't celebrate any holidays. The only special observation we have is called the "Memorial," which commemorates Christ's last supper with his disciples. It's never held on the same day each year; it's scheduled so that it would be taking place on the "anniversary" of the evening meal. (Think of it this way: your birthday is never observed on the same day of the week every year.) A JW who is working would try to be off work that day if they worked 3-11, since the Memorial is held after sundown.

Regarding the JW who refused the flu shot. There is no rule that you can't have a flu shot. It's considered a conscience decision since the shot may contain minor fractions of blood. Some people are more rigid about this than others.

The elders really have nothing to do with employment, unless someone takes a job that would clearly conflict with our beliefs, e.g. I don't think you'd find a JW working in a strip club.

I really hope this doesn't turn into a "Let's bash JW's" thread. We already have copious threads like that in the archives. You may not agree with someone's beliefs, but everyone deserves basic respect.

And others were right about the holidays. I would often work major holidays so someone could be off to be with friends and family. The only time I stayed off on a holiday is when I started getting taken advantage of; then I would take the holiday off if I was scheduled to be off.

Thanks for your insight. And truthfully, I don't think the thread was headed in a 'let's bash JW' direction. I think you could sub in "SDA/ Jew/Muslim/Wiccan" and the issue is the same. Expecting preferential treatment regarding scheduling because of one's religious views. AFTER making a career decision to enter a profession that is needed 24/7/365.

[OCNRN63, RN]

Thanks for your insight. And truthfully, I don't think the thread was headed in a 'let's bash JW' direction. I think you could sub in "SDA/ Jew/Muslim/Wiccan" and the issue is the same. Expecting preferential treatment regarding scheduling because of one's religious views. AFTER making a career decision to enter a profession that is needed 24/7/365.

Not yet...

[Carrie RN]

Nurse trumps all religions. Expectation is to have your butt inside the building when the schedule says.