What would you do (or have you done) if your patient asks you to pray with them? In regards to holistic nursing would you ever initiate and ask your patient if you can pray for them?
I am a first semester nursing student and this is a discussion topic right now in one of my classes. I'm curious about the diversity in responses that this might get, and also any stories that veteran nurses might have.
I see that calling the chaplain in is possibly most appropriate, but what if they are really looking to you right then and there for prayer support??
I will be sharing this thread with classmates. Thanks so much!
I think I work at that hospital by your house with the nuns. :)
I never assume anything. That's why I ask. I give them the opportunity to say no. And I think I have provided far more comfort to those that say yes than discomfort to someone that wouldn't want it.
Specializes in Nursing Ed, Ob/GYN, AD, LTC, Rehab.
It's not assuming anything by asking someone if they'd like to pray--except that there is a possiblity that they might say yes...and you can't really assume a possibilty. Someone grabbing your hand and bowing to pray would be assuming (and even I would find that offensive). If people went around with their mouths shut afraid of offending people rather than asking questions, society would regress!
If the information isn't available in the chart and the patient doesn't offer it without prompting, how else would the nurse know? If I were an atheist, I'd rather turn the nurse down once (who can now put that missing info in the chart) than have to repeatedly tell the nun offering communion every day (this is practice at the hospital closest to my house).
Ann, maybe being and atheist has led you into many a confrontation you found to be offensive, maybe not. I certaintly don't mean to offend you. And you can't help the feelings you experience. But a spirtuality assessment (just like physical or cultural assessment) is part of the nursing process. By your logic, simply asking someone if their spiritual needs are being met is an offensive question because the nurse would be assuming the patient was spiritual! There's no "agenda" behind these simple questions or offers other than to privide comfort and complete care, so where's the offense?
Asking someone if they would like to pray is assuming someone is religous. Now asking someone if they have any religion preferences or would like to speak with someone is acceptable. BIG difference. Assessing someones spiritual needs is not "would you like to pray?" more appropriate would be to ask if they have needs that need to be filled.
Asking someone if they would like to pray is assuming someone is religous. Now asking someone if they have any religion preferences or would like to speak with someone is acceptable. BIG difference. Assessing someones spiritual needs is not "would you like to pray?" more appropriate would be to ask if they have needs that need to be filled.
i disagree.
asking someone about prayer, is part of the assessment, as is asking about religious preferences/needs.
the nurse's action is then based on the pt's response.
i always ask my pts if prayer would be helpful to them.
then i run like the dickens, and get the chaplain.:)
When I worked in a hospital, often a patient would have a Bible or rosary at their bedside. Gave a very easy opening to ask if they would like me to pray. I am a Christian, but not Catholic but have prayed the rosary and even anointed a deceased patient with holy water at the families request. I believe strongly in prayer, but do not offer if I have no idea of the patient's religious beliefs.
Now I work in a public school. Whole different setting. I can't offer to pray with students-that wouldn't fly in a public school. I do have a little plaque on my desk with a scripture verse and a quote from Mother Theresa, though. I have had students ask if I would pray for them, perhaps because of the plaque, they know I'm a Christian, I don't know.I do tell them I will pray for them if they ask, but have never prayed WITH them. I think you can get away with more with adults than kids-even high school where I work.
I would like to think SOMETHING in my life reflects my belief even if I don't say anything. I'm not sure who said it, maybe Saint Francis, "Preach the Gospel continuously, if necessary, use words"
My husband was recently in the ER where I work, and was diagnosed with metastic cancer, a shock and big blow to both of us. Several staff members asked if they could pray with us, and it was welcomed. Others just came by with a hug and offers of support and love. All of the kind gestures were appreciated.
Oh, my. I am so sorry!
Prayers from Colorado are joining the prayers from your folks there!
I does make me uncomfortable when a person in a position of power over me asks me if I want to pray with them. Once this happened when I was in the hospital, and once a doc in an office asked this of me. I wanted to say no, but each time I was (probably irrationally, I know) a little scared to. When you are sick and dependent upon these people, and if prayer and religion is so obviously important that they are asking you if they can pray with you, it makes you scared to say no. I was afraid they wouldn't take care of me as well, and that they would be judgemental and it would affect the type of care I received.
I know those aren't reational thoughts--but they were how I felt. The nurse was nice and didn't ask again; the doc was so overwhelming, referring to God so much and asking me to pray with him, when I left and scheduled another appointment, I specifically requested not to see him again.
I am a proud atheist and I know I would take great offense if a nurse wanted to pray with me if I were the patient.
Its offensive to assume ones religion and belief system and to initate action based on false assumptions
To me that is why I wait for the invitation to join in prayer, or (I've never done this) ask permission from the patient if a prayer said for them would be appropriate.
To me always the patients wishes for prayer, then the families, then my own.
I does make me uncomfortable when a person in a position of power over me asks me if I want to pray with them. Once this happened when I was in the hospital, and once a doc in an office asked this of me. I wanted to say no, but each time I was (probably irrationally, I know) a little scared to. When you are sick and dependent upon these people, and if prayer and religion is so obviously important that they are asking you if they can pray with you, it makes you scared to say no. I was afraid they wouldn't take care of me as well, and that they would be judgemental and it would affect the type of care I received.
I know those aren't reational thoughts--but they were how I felt. The nurse was nice and didn't ask again; the doc was so overwhelming, referring to God so much and asking me to pray with him, when I left and scheduled another appointment, I specifically requested not to see him again.
And that's ok! You are the patient and have the right to your decisions however presented.
How many nurses pray with there patients. And when is the right time to pray with a patient? Does the patient have to ask you? Or do you ask the patient?
How many nurses pray with there patients. And when is the right time to pray with a patient? Does the patient have to ask you? Or do you ask the patient?
Thanks [
I do pray with them & as for the right time...I take my que from them. I say a prayer before I start every shift & I have prayed silently many times during a trauma ect. :wink2:
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lauramae18
61 Posts
I think I work at that hospital by your house with the nuns. :)
I never assume anything. That's why I ask. I give them the opportunity to say no. And I think I have provided far more comfort to those that say yes than discomfort to someone that wouldn't want it.
Wholistic care, isn't it?