Prayer @ staff meeting

Nurses General Nursing

Published

At a recent "mandatory" staff meeting the ADON requested one of the nurses to open our meeting with a prayer. We work in a state correctional facility. No one seemed offended, I just thought it was inappropriate. In discussing it with other staff that was present, they are thinking of notifying Human resources about it. Any thoughts?

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I think the scenario you have presented is one of completely inappropriate behavior. It should never be assumed that everyone is of the same belief system, and to open a mandatory staff meeting (at a state correctional facility no less!) with a prayer is to basically impose one's belief system on a captive audience.

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If it bothers you to the point that you want it to stop why not just bring it up to the person who requested it be done first?! I'd go that route before HR. Let them know how you feel and if it doesn't stop then take it up the food chain.

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it bothers you to the point that you want it to stop why not just bring it up to the person who requested it be done first?! I'd go that route before HR.

I would definitely not bring it up to the ADON. I think the idea to bring it up, hopefully anonymously, to HR is a much better plan.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.
it bothers you to the point that you want it to stop why not just bring it up to the person who requested it be done first?! I'd go that route before HR.

I would definitely not bring it up to the ADON. I think the idea to bring it up, hopefully anonymously, to HR is a much better plan.

May I ask why? If someone is bothered by something you have done, wouldn't you want that person to speak to you first? And if you are going to be disciplined for something, wouldn't you want to know exactly what the infraction was, and how it was reported so that you can address the accuracy of the report? HR can't properly investigate an anonymous report, and therefore shouldn't discipline based upon one.

Unless the ADON has a history of flying off the handle, I think it is a matter of professionalism to discuss it with her first. If that doesn't produce satisfactory results, then by all means, take it up the food chain.

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As you all know, my response would be to :chair:.

And, I'd write HR a nice little note anonymously. I would under no circumstances tell those people I was not comfortable with the prayer deal. It would open up a huge can of worms.

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I cant believe that anyone would get offended at praying. IF YOU DONT WANT TO THEN JUST DONT DO IT

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I would definitely not bring it up to the ADON. I think the idea to bring it up, hopefully anonymously, to HR is a much better plan.

I disagree. If I have a problem with someone on the job I always go to that person directly out of respect first. If that doesn't rectify the problem I then proceed up the food chain. And if you feel so strongly about this why would you need to do it anonymously?! I'd own it.

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Specializes in ortho, hospice volunteer, psych,.

i am a practicing episcopalian and am quite active in my church and am very very offended by that reading and the legion of others like it. religion is a very personal belief. if you belong to another religion, that's your prerogative. mine is not better than yours and yours shouldn't be superimposed on me. if you work in a hospital or other place of employment owned by a religious body, that is different but if you work in a public hospital, then no prayer, imho. i feel the same way about prayer before ball games, chamber of commerce luncheons, etc. this is a very rural area and they do some kind or kinds of protestant all purpose prayer before every event anywhere and people get very very offended if someone says, "but we need to comply with these new regulations." in fact, certain people will actually boycott any function (including a city council meeting) that does not open with a prayer.

whatta ya do...:banghead::no:

sharpeimom:paw::paw:

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I cant believe that anyone would get offended at praying. IF YOU DONT WANT TO THEN JUST DONT DO IT

I think you are missing the point. The scenario as presented was at a MANDATORY staff meeting. Those present had no choice but to listen. This situation created an imposition and was, in my opinion, inappropriate in a professional setting. :twocents:

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Specializes in Family Practice, Mental Health.

Usual rule of thumb in HR handbooks pretty much everywhere state that you should endeavor to bring your complaint to the individual in question - unless you feel you would be in danger (sorry, lack of a better word escaping me at the moment) doing so.

This is so even for sexual harassment cases.

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Jolie-

I would be too worried about facing discrimination. And it may not be blatant enough that you have any way to address it. I have been an agnostic/atheist (haven't quite decided which) since I was a young teenager, and I guess I have just seen far too many people react in horror when they find out I am don't have the same beliefs.

I think many atheist/agnostic/religious minority members here have also mentioned they have had people react badly. I just wouldn't risk it.

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