Opinions spouted on religion and politics at nurses station

Nurses General Nursing

Updated:   Published

At report time, one of our per diem nurses once again launched into an opinionated little speech about a certain religious group. It's really ackward when people do this, and offensive. I don't like to make a scene, but if you have an issue with a religious group, a politician, a nationality, I don't want to hear it. Thank you.

Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.
jlsRN said:
I'm going to send this co-worker an email since this is probably the third time she's gone off on this particular religion and I find it offensive. We otherwise are on very friendly terms.

Hey, if you're on friendly terms than it is easy to stand up and remove yourself from the situation. Then it's easy to pull this person aside, in private and say that "you don't appreciate the comments about..... and they make you uncomfortable".

I had made what was construed as a "racist" remark, didn't intend it to be that way, but understood how it could be taken wrong, only after a good friend said... "I'm offended by that statement, please don't ever say that in my presence."

It gave me a change to clarify what I said, learned that there were "innuendos" from my statement and dropped the phrase from my vocabulary immediately. sometimes we don't know how we come across wrong, and sometimes we need to stop each other, politely from crossing the line... it's really that easy, no need to e-mail, just say it. I wasn't offended and if you're not nasty, the recipient of the message shouldn't be as well. If they are.... see the other posts:idea:

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
AntinuclearAntibody said:
OK, so is a statement like "dinosaurs became extinct millions of years ago" be harassment to one who believes the earth is 6000 years old?

There's a great difference between, "You don't believe that dinosaurs came before humanity?" and "You buy that Liberty University crap? What an idiot!"

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.
Suesquatch said:
There's a great difference between, "You don't believe that dinosaurs came before humanity?" and "You buy that Liberty University crap? What an idiot!"

What is Liberty University?

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

ok, how do you like my email?

hi jane doe,

you know i really love working with you, but i have one request to make. i would appreciate it if you'd keep your negative opinions of the blankety blank church to yourself around me. it's very ackward for me since i don't want to get in an argument about denominations and some of my reasons for being in my church. it just so happens that i have some negative opinions of other blankety blank churches that i keep to myself in the interest of harmony. you've voiced your opinions previously on more than one occasion which is why i'm writing to you.

thanks, love jlsrn

how does that sound?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Quote
We have the freedom to express ourselves and opinions, but there's a time and place to do so. We don't have freedom to yell "Fire!" in a crowded movie theatre.

Sure if there is no fire, then it is a false statement to create panic!

Actually I absolutely agree w/ you on the situation described & the way you're handling it (or as another poster suggested by directly talking). Anyone who deliberately makes statements belittling/denigrating others is acting very offensively. However, many times statements resulting from different viewpoints (as in the case of dinosaurs), ignorance, curiosity or humor may result in someone getting offended. My concern is many times these situations are taken straight to the management level, then the fear of lawsuits result in firings & rules that go to absurd levels etc.

Quote
There's a great difference between, "You don't believe that dinosaurs came before humanity?" and "You buy that Liberty University crap? What an idiot!"

Absolutely. Except there is always the possibility someone will complain even against the first statement or even simply mentioning how old in their view dinosaurs are & sadly somebody may lose a job d/t fear of lawsuit! Wont matter how innocently the statement was phrased.

I am definitely not defending offensive behavior in the name of free expression. My point is more that the all-encompassing fear of vaguely-worded rules together w/ lawsuits have often resulted in people afraid to engage in normal adult conversation.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Travel Nursing, ICU, tele, etc.

It is so amazing to me how one issue can become this far flung political debate on these forums.... come on people, if someone is bad mouthing your denomination, you have the right to ask them not to do that. (and, guess what, you are protected by law as well)

Hey jlsRN, I am sorry you have to deal with someone who is so blatantly unaware of her hurtful comments. I think your email is fine. No one should have to continue to put-up with a situation where she feels defensive or made uncomfortable at work by uninformed, prejudicial comments by a coworker. Unfortunately, it looks as if you are forced into the role of educator. Given your compassionate email, I have a feeling you will be opening someone's mind. I have a feeling she may be a bit shocked by how hurtful she has been.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
jlsRN said:
What is Liberty University?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberty_University

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
jlsRN said:
At report time, one of our per diem nurses once again launched into an opinionated little speech about a certain religious group. It's really ackward when people do this, and offensive. I don't like to make a scene, but if you have an issue with a religious group, a politician, a nationality, I don't want to hear it. Thank you.

One strategy to try before reporting:

When you talk about people like that

I feel bad offended etc

I need you to stop talking like that around me...

Then if it recurs I would feel free to report the problems

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

my dear coworker: these religious proclamations, have to stop. if they don't, i will whack you with this sign. love always,...

dang.

i love these.

leslie

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SICU.
jlsRN said:
It's really ackward when people do this, and offensive. I don't like to make a scene, but if you have an issue with a religious group, a politician, a nationality, I don't want to hear it. Thank you.

Perhaps the next time she does it, you need to say to her exactly what you said to us here. I find that confronting people, tactfully mind you, usually opens their eyes to their own offensiveness and lack of couth. Usually. ;)

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
jlsRN said:
I'm going to send this co-worker an email since this is probably the third time she's gone off on this particular religion and I find it offensive. We otherwise are on very friendly terms.

You'd be doing her a huge favor if you did that. Before leaving to go back to school for nursing, I was in Human Resources and we've terminated people for this very reason. The hospital would be bound to do so should she keep on this course.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would absolutely not put anything to this coworker in writing.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment