Pagan in a Catholic Hospital...

Nurses Spirituality

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So I am a bit nervous. I was just offered a job that sounds very exciting in a place that is on my bucket list. My only real concern is that it is the ONLY place there to work, and it's a Catholic hospital. I grew up Catholic. They don't generally bother me. I am pagan however. I feel no need to flaunt it or push it. That is not who I am. I am just hoping that if someone asks and I am honest or if someone in the community finds out that I am pagan, it doesn't cause a problem. Has anyone ever encountered this sort of thing?

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Specializes in Surgical, Home Infusions, HVU, PCU, Neuro.

Will your religious beliefs hinder the care you provide? Would you be comfortable calling the Chaplin to visit the patient or deal with the Chaplin during Rapids or codes? If not then I dont see where your personal beliefs should having any bearing on the position you would hold.

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On no....That would never be an issue. I am willing to pray with patients, and I have more then once been in the room and prayed with a priest during last rights. In those moments it is about them and what would make them comfortable. It's not about me.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I worked in a Catholic hospital with Muslims, atheists, Jews and wiccans. It was never an issue.

Oh, and the word is Chaplain (Charlie Chaplin was a silent movie star- and why autocorrect does that substitution is beyond me)

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I've been a patient in Catholic hospitals and nowhere did I see religion pushed as an issue. The issue was my medical care. Keep your beliefs to yourself, as you probably would if you were a practicing Catholic, and concentrate on providing good nursing care. No one will be the wiser.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I've worked in 2 Catholic hospitals over the course of my career -- and neither posed a big problem for me. (I was raised protestant, but now consider myself more of an atheist.) It sounds as if you won't have any problems, either.

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How would a Catholic feel in a "pagan" hospital? Not trying to be flip...happens every day.

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How would a Catholic feel in a "pagan" hospital? Not trying to be flip...happens every day.

Well, Christians regardless of denominations tend to take pride that they worship the true god. The rest of the world are worshiping the devil's spawns. With that attitude, I don't think a Catholic would have any issue working in a pagan hospital. I bet they think they work there not only to help patients but to save pagans as well.

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Well, Christians regardless of denominations tend to take pride that they worship the true god. The rest of the world are worshiping the devil's spawns. With that attitude, I don't think a Catholic would have any issue working in a pagan hospital. I bet they think they work there not only to help patients but to save pagans as well.

Well, I have yet to meet anyone that doesn't take pride in what they believe. Can't see how Christians aren't allowed to have that very human characteristic. But if what you're criticizing are obnoxious and hostile Christians, I have to giggle just a little. For every obnoxious Christian you show me, I'll see you and raise you obnoxious and hostile atheists or "pagans". Talk about taking pride in what they believe...sheesh...

Besides, being hostile and obnoxious is a demonstrable departure from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That is to say, they're not acting like Christians at all.

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Well, I have yet to meet anyone that doesn't take pride in what they believe. Can't see how Christians aren't allowed to have that very human characteristic. But if what you're criticizing are obnoxious and hostile Christians, I have to giggle just a little. For every obnoxious Christian you show me, I'll see you and raise you obnoxious and hostile atheists or "pagans". Talk about taking pride in what they believe...sheesh...

Besides, being hostile and obnoxious is a demonstrable departure from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That is to say, they're not acting like Christians at all.

Please, save yourself some energy with "they are not true Christians" assertion. I am not a Christian. It is not my business to define who is or is not a true Christians. There are good people and evil people in every religion. Sorry if you find what I say offensive.

I am not an atheist or pagan, but I am religious. I don't give any faith a pass. If you think you equate an obnoxious pagan on the same level as an obnoxious Christian or a militant atheist, I guess you have not seen this

This is not even paganism. This is Hinduism, which is much older than Christianity.

I don't want to paint all Christians with a broad brush, but it is in there book that commands them to convert other people. Not all Christians do that (thank goodness), but they use their bible to justify their obnoxious proselytization.

Besides, being hostile and obnoxious is a demonstrable departure from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That is to say, they're not acting like Christians at all.

If you want to challenge me on my biblical knowledge, pm me and I am more than happy to take it. I can specify which chapter/which verses that your god asks his followers to proselytize with afterlife threat. This is not the place.

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Don't talk religion or politics with patients or coworkers- problem solved.

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Don't talk religion or politics with patients or coworkers- problem solved.

I couldn't agree with you more. Unfortunately, many Christians love to show non-Christians their deity's love. I find this assumption insulting because it presumes that everyone on this planet believes in Yahweh but gets their idea about him wrong.

I hope that OP won't have to deal with this in the Catholic hospital. On the bright side, Catholic places tend to be more tolerant than Protestant-based services. The bible-thumping in a "loving manner" is strong in these places.

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