Prevalence of Christians in the field of nursing

Nurses Spirituality

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I will be making a career change, from the banking industry to nursing. Thought about it over the past year. In my industry, Christians are far and few between. I suppose much of this has to do with the main focus being, money.

Wondering about the prevalence of Christians in the nursing field? I know much of this has to do with what area of the country one works. Also, non-Chrisitans may not be looking out for Christians in the workforce. I know in my industry, I feel alone, to say the least.

tnbutterfly,

Thank you. My question was not clear. I was getting at the prevalence of other Christian nurses (employees) within the workplace. I agree with your comment on geographical location. Just wasn't sure if the field of nursing perhaps drew more Christians to it's ranks due to the nature of the job.

A good and effective nurse has compassion in their heart, ability to think rationally under pressure, quickly and effectively. Religious beliefs have not a thing to do with any of those things. If, OP, you are a Christian who is seeking other Christians, I am not sure that nursing is where you would find exactly what you are seeking. If you feel it is your ministry, then the presence of other Christian nurses or absence of the same would be a non-issue. It would be in your best interest, however, if you remember that it is the PATIENT whose spiritual needs a nurse needs to address. Even if those are different than their own. If one is feeling "lost" in their Christian path, perhaps an alternate church, prayer meeting, group of some kind.....Feeling full as a Christian needs to happen mainly out of the workplace, although you may find your compassion and your Christianity go hand in hand and reflective in your practice.

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Nursing isn't about the nurse. It makes no difference what religion anybody is as long as everyone's right to believe or disbelieve is respected. I understand that having like-minded coworkers would be comforting in our line of work however, so let me tell you this: I am an atheist. I'm almost always "alone" in my working environment, as Christianity is the predominant belief system everywhere in America. You should have absolutely no problem finding Christian coworkers to commiserate with. Not to mention that many major health systems are Catholic/Christian. I work for a Catholic health system myself. There are crucifixes in every room, daily morning prayers over the intercom system, every meeting begins with a prayer, and there is a priest who makes rounds daily and conducts religious services in our in-house chapel.

The system I work for is very accepting of people of all (or no) faiths. I've never been made uncomfortable because of my different beliefs. I think any Christian would feel very welcome in that environment.

The gist of my rambling: If you have a chance to work for a faith-based health system, you may be more comfortable there than in a secular environment.

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Specializes in allergy and asthma, urgent care.

OP,

I'm having a little trouble with your remark that nursing draws more Christians to its ranks due to the nature of the job. Compassion and caring is not limited to those of the Christian faith, or to faith itself. There are many atheist nurses out there, and their belief system does not compromise their ability to support a patients spiritual and physical needs. As others have said, our own personal beliefs should not come into play when caring for a patient. It should also not come into play when dealing with co-workers, even if working in a faith based health system.

I know your post was well intentioned and not meant to insult any other religious group, but it could be interpreted as such. The United States is not a Christian nation; rather, we are a nation that supports total religious freedom.

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Specializes in allergy and asthma, urgent care.

A quick Google search will find a deep connection between Christianity and Nursing. An almost non-existant relationship between Christianity and Banking. Which is probably why the banking industry has been plagued by unethical practices for years.

Seriously?? I think this is a little narrow minded.

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I work for an Adventist facility and our mission statement is "extending the healing ministry of Christ". That doesn't mean they only hire Christians though. As a matter of fact I don't recall being asked about my religious preferences during my employment interview. My co-workers and I have the freedom to pray with our patients if they wish for us to do so. We even have prayer request cards in our admission packets.

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A quick Google search will find a deep connection between Christianity and Nursing. An almost non-existant relationship between Christianity and Banking. Which is probably why the banking industry has been plagued by unethical practices for years.
Seriously?? I think this is a little narrow minded.

I have experienced unethical behavior in a Christian-run organization (came from upper ranks)....so I would agree with BCgradnurse...

That organization focused on their particular sect of Christianity.

On other hand, I worked at a faith-based organization that emphasized respect and accommodation for all beliefs. I found that most impressive. Their leadership included nuns.

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Nursing has its roots in human beings caring for one another all across the world, since time began. To say its roots are Judeo-Christian is inaccurate at best.

The essence of nursing is providing effective, compassionate care. No culture, religion, or country has a monopoly on that and nobody invented it.

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This would be an interesting study to do. Poll hospitals across the country and see what the stats show. Who knows.......maybe a study has already been done.

The nursing profession does have its roots in Judaeo-Christian traditions of caring for the sick.

Why do Christians always think everything started with them? The arrogance and/or ignorance is astounding. "The nursing profession" does not have its roots in Judaeo-Christian traditions butterfly, "nursing" or people who have acted as "nurses" has been around in every culture, every tribe and every corner of the globe since the beginning of time. Believe it or not, life did go on before the time of Christian religion.

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Dear OP,

This is a secular website, so, I am wondering what kinds of answers you thought you were going to get? To answer your question...it runs in line with the general population. As I am sure you know by now, the term, Christianity, has taken on this whole, wild, life of its own. We have been a post-Christian era for some time, so seriously, hang on; the ride will be bumpy. But don't lose heart.

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I do not conversate about my religious beliefs to most people and will not here either. I feel religion should be between them and their deity or priest. I don't feel it should be paraded and questioned for others to judge. I rather not know my coworkers faith and if a patient asks i would get them support. Its not my place. My religion as a nurse will be medicinal with freedom for anyone to worship the way they wish without judgement. If a patient prefers to do a spell for paganism, if they prefer to meditate, if they prefer to pray, that is their business as well as my coworkers have the same right. I rather have knitting in common or love of crafts or baking.

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Wow...lol. Okay, I am very quiet about my Christian faith as I stated before. Some folks are more outspoken and some not so much. I tend to fall into the latter camp. But that's just me. I don't understand all the comments getting off topic. I was simply just asking about the prevalence of Christians within the field of nursing. I apologize if this question frustrated anyone. I truly did not mean for this to happen. Over the past few years I have been struggling within my current profession. I have sought out other avenues and for some reason, keep coming back to nursing. I'm sure much of that has to do with my sisters both being nurses as well as my wife. My wife is a devout Christian, but she does not bring it into the workplace, but rather focuses first and foremost on her patients. She knows this. I know this. Sometimes reading between the lines can cause frustration and confusion. For anyone that I have offended by posting this question, I truly apologize.

Both my sisters and wife have been an inspiration to me in wanting to pursue a career into nursing. I believe that I am not going down this path for all the wrong reasons. Okay, maybe some, but the main motivating force behind my decision is the desire to care for people in their time of need.

Again, I am sorry I was not more clear with my original question.

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Specializes in Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgical.

I also live in the Bible Belt and the majority of nurses and students I've run across are Christian. We also have Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu nurses, so it makes for pretty interesting religious diversity. The only religious-based question I've seen asked lately was

directed at a Christian nurse who wears a skirt instead of scrub pants as part of her faith. The questioner was young and merely curious.

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