I have had some interesting experiences as an atheist nurse, if not downright puzzling. What follows is but a few of the many interactions that I have encountered.
When pressed for an answer to the question "What church do you belong to?" and I divulge my lack of religious belief, I am always utterly amazed that the next question is invariably "You worship the Devil?" Ummm, no. No I don't. It is my understanding that to believe in one (God) is to believe that the other exists as well (Satan) and since I don't believe in God it wouldn't make sense to believe in the Devil alone.
"Aren't you afraid for your soul?" Again, no. See above.
"How can you have morals if you don't believe in God?" Ethics. I believe in doing what is right simply because it's the right thing to do and not because I fear for my soul or that "someone" is watching and judging my every thought and action. I get an uncomfortable feeling in my gut if I don't address something that should be addressed or if I'm thinking of doing something that I shouldn't do. On the flip side, I get a nice, cozy "atta girl" feeling when I've done the right thing. In other words, my conscience guides me.
"You can't be a good nurse unless you believe in God." Yes I can. See above.
"You just haven't been to the "right" church." Wrong. I've read quite extensively on many different sects of Christianity as well as other religions and have attended many different denominational services and remain unwavering in my position on the subject of religion.
"I'll pray for you." If it'll make you feel better, be my guest.
What gets me riled and provokes "Rabid Atheist Mode" is when I'm told that I "must" be an amoral, Devil-worshipping nurse and sorry excuse for a human being because I don't believe in God. That's when the gloves come off. Personal attacks are unwelcome and will be dealt with accordingly.
This is just a small sample of some of the most common questions/statements that I've heard over the years. There have been many, many more I can assure you.
Let it also be known that I truly don't care what or who anyone worships, to each his own. If you choose to worship a badger that's fine by me, whatever gets you through the day. I ask that you please refrain from trying to get me to worship with you and I'll refrain from trying to get you to abandon your beliefs. I respect your beliefs, you respect mine. I think we can agree on that.
How many "rabid atheists" have you run into? How many have knocked on your door to share their beliefs with you? How many have told you "I won't pray for you" when you were having a bad time? How many tax-free places for atheists to gather did you drive by on the way to work today?
Anyone who pushes their beliefs on others no matter they are what don't get any time from me.
Plenty of rabid smug atheists out there.
I'm an atheist. With plenty of Christian friends. We manage to squeak by somehow because we both have the same foundation, the Golden Rule.
I would probably call myself an atheist, but I certainly never tell my patients that. Religion doesn't have any place in a professional setting, in my opinion. On the other hand, I am happy to reflect my patients values, ie, if they ask me to pray for them, I say I will. I don't need to tell them that for me praying is thinking positive thoughts. The idea for me is the same and we both feel good.
I absolutely love this post! I am an atheist nurse also and believe in secular humanism. The problem is, we suffer from a "majority privilege" society so anything that is not the *majority* belief must be wrong or amoral. I don't run around advertising my non-beliefs, however, I will not be society shamed into thinking I am less than because of it. I respect other's religious beliefs but often find relgious people can't respect mine. I don't care either. What most people fail to realize is that my ethics and morals drive my decision making. I don't need a religion or holy book to guide my actions and make me believe that I'm right or wrong. If my patients ask me for a priest, pastor, or any other form of spiritual care I provide it for them. It's not about me. It's about my patients. It doesn't and should not ever affect my practice as a caring and compassionate nurse so those that think it may, are quite misinformed. Atheism is NOT a religion; it is the lack of belief in a god or gods/ religious doctrine.
I absolutely love this post! I am an atheist nurse also and believe in secular humanism. The problem is, we suffer from a "majority privilege" society so anything that is not the *majority* belief must be wrong or amoral. I don't run around advertising my non-beliefs, however, I will not be society shamed into thinking I am less than because of it. I respect other's religious beliefs but often find relgious people can't respect mine. I don't care either. What most people fail to realize is that my ethics and morals drive my decision making. I don't need a religion or holy book to guide my actions and make me believe that I'm right or wrong. If my patients ask me for a priest, pastor, or any other form of spiritual care I provide it for them. It's not about me. It's about my patients. It doesn't and should not ever affect my practice as a caring and compassionate nurse so those that think it may, are quite misinformed. Atheism is NOT a religion; it is the lack of belief in a god or gods/ religious doctrine.
I would love you to be my nurse
Provided that an atheist nurse and a Christian nurse are both compassionate, I will definitely pick the atheist nurse. The last thing I want when I'm sick is suffering proselytization from the Christian nurse. That nurse may want to do that out of her sincere concern. However, that is insulting to me, and I'm not even an theist.
Provided that an atheist nurse and a Christian nurse are both compassionate, I will definitely pick the atheist nurse. The last thing I want when I'm sick is suffering proselytization from the Christian nurse. That nurse may want to do that out of her sincere concern. However, that is insulting to me, and I'm not even an theist.
No nurse I know will impose a prayer on a patient that doesn't request it.
Provided that an atheist nurse and a Christian nurse are both compassionate, I will definitely pick the atheist nurse. The last thing I want when I'm sick is suffering proselytization from the Christian nurse. That nurse may want to do that out of her sincere concern. However, that is insulting to me, and I'm not even an theist.
No nurse I know will impose a prayer on a patient that doesn't request it.
It's not about the nurse. It's about the patient.
Yeah I think it's best practice -and how it normally is- that the patient will not *know* which nurse holds which beliefs/no beliefs. The RARE nurse who would proselytize should be dealt with swiftly and justly.
No nurse I know will impose a prayer on a patient that doesn't request it.
It's not about the nurse. It's about the patient.
I really cannot trust outspoken Christians any more. I made that mistake once with a Christian friend, whom I was willing to compromise my own convictions to be a good friend to her. She took every possible chance to proselytize me whenever I was in a vulnerable circumstance. I don't want to repeat my mistake. I cannot afford another emotional harassment from Christians, especially when I am sick.
This Christian hates when people make "I'll pray for you" sound like a threat.
I love people of all faiths, or lack thereof.
You are the majority. Your religion is a privilege. Until you walk in a minority person's shoe, you will never understand. Becoming immigrating to the States, I was living in a communist country, so I understand how the majority impose its will on the minority.
I myself am not an atheist. I believe in a higher power. However, I can relate to atheists or secular humanists much better than Christians. I know what it feels like to be marginalized simply because one's spiritual beliefs or lack thereof is different from the majority.
Once upon a time I worked with a nurse who did so force prayer, requested or not, on people. She was written up, counseled, lectured, demoted- disciplined for it many, many times but the minute she seemed reformed, the very second everyone's back was turned and no one was any longer watching her like a hawk she'd, consequence be damned, be right back at it. And this wasn't quiet prayer no it was often with great dramatic flair, like tent revival meeting stuff. Which I suppose is why despite having multiple advanced degrees, rather than working for Nasa or someplace spectacular like that, instead there she was toiling away with the rest of us at Death Care Centers of America. Apparently she was reported to the nursing board multiple times but she was good at getting special protections and exemptions for herself by claiming she had multiple, legitimate disabilities.
Provided that an atheist nurse and a Christian nurse are both compassionate, I will definitely pick the atheist nurse. The last thing I want when I'm sick is suffering proselytization from the Christian nurse. That nurse may want to do that out of her sincere concern. However, that is insulting to me, and I'm not even an theist.
Not all Christian nurses feel the need to convert the world. If I were your nurse, you wouldn't have any indication that I am Lutheran.
I don't carry a bible with me, I don't wear a crucifix necklace, I don't say "Praise God!" at random times during a conversation. I will pray with a patient IF and only if they or their family request that I participate. I won't tell you "I'll pray for you" if the subject of your belief (or non-belief) comes up. Frankly, that usually sounds a tad smug and sanctimonious-I don't like having someone say it to me and I'm a believer!!
What you WILL notice about me is that I care about your comfort. Your pain needs will be managed, any new or worsening symptoms will be addressed, I'll spend time talking with you, should you feel like it.
Quite frankly, your assumption that all a Christian nurse wants to do is get another soul for the team is insulting as well. I am what I am, you are what you are, and neither should be a barrier to your care.
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
I would love you to be my nurse
Provided that an atheist nurse and a Christian nurse are both compassionate, I will definitely pick the atheist nurse. The last thing I want when I'm sick is suffering proselytization from the Christian nurse. That nurse may want to do that out of her sincere concern. However, that is insulting to me, and I'm not even an theist.
I have known many devout Christian nurses who do not Proselyte (sic) at work in fact most of my co-workers don't even know I am a Christian. I do wear a very small Celtic cross on my neck but I don't run around the unit "praiszin Jey sus " I don't know what part of the country ya'll are from but it sounds like some of you are deal some real Bible Thumper's. No offense intended.
Farawyn
12,646 Posts
Anyone who pushes their beliefs on others no matter they are what don't get any time from me.
Plenty of rabid smug atheists out there.
I'm an atheist. With plenty of Christian friends. We manage to squeak by somehow because we both have the same foundation, the Golden Rule.