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.

Specializes in FNP, ONP.

It stands to reason that people with strong religious tendencies would not be attracted to the sciences in large numbers, as the two are generally incompatible. I would think there would be fewer religious Nurses, rather than more.

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Specializes in ER.

I'd say it's really hard to tell in today's society. I think more people identify as Christians but are not practicing Christians. I am personally an atheist but I work in a Catholic hospital. I think overall that it is hard to tell who is who in today's society. Many people are moving away from traditional religions. Like someone who is a Muslim may choose not to pray or if they are female may not wear a headscarf.

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Your beliefs still affect your actions even if you aren't imposing them upon other people.

True, but Muslim nurses would say that their faith positvely effects their actions. Or Buddhists. Or secular humanists.

No single religion has a lock on kindness or generosity.

This is why saying that Christians would make better nurses than non-Christians is so narrow minded.

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And, while I'm not the first to point this out, the frequent example of banking as a "non-Christian field" has HUGELY anti-semitic overtones.

Yes, nursing has roots in Christianity. It also has roots in just about every other major religion. Religous sects providing care for the sick and the infirm is a pretty consistant motif in the religions of the world.

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It stands to reason that people with strong religious tendencies would not be attracted to the sciences in large numbers, as the two are generally incompatible. I would think there would be fewer religious Nurses, rather than more.

See, I look at it the opposite way. To me nursing is not a pure science like being a rocket scientist or something. Nursing is partly about science. Nursing is also about helping the sick, comforting people, caring for those who can't care for themselves, etc. Those things are very compatible with Christianity and other religions. A lot of religiously affiliated hospitals have nursing programs. I would think there are more nurses of faith then not.

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It stands to reason that people with strong religious tendencies would not be attracted to the sciences in large numbers, as the two are generally incompatible. I would think there would be fewer religious Nurses, rather than more.

Then you obviously know little to nothing about faith and science.

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Specializes in RN.

Science does not disprove creation, try though they may...

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Science does not disprove creation, try though they may...

Science tries nothing of the sort.

In fact, I believe most scientists operate under the rule that you can't really prove something doesn't exist.

But, when one makes bold claims such as the eath is only 5,000 years old or humans and dinosaurs existed at the same time, one better have some serious data to back such claims up if they want to be taken seriously.

The scientific community can't just take the fact that "the Bible says so" or the fact that you really, really believe it as credible reasons to give creationism a second glance.

The burden of proving creationism lies with the creationists. Science is under no burden whatsoever to disprove it.

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Specializes in RN.
Science tries nothing of the sort.

In fact, I believe most scientists operate under the rule that you can't really prove something doesn't exist.

But, when one makes bold claims such as the eath is only 5,000 years old or humans and dinosaurs existed at the same time, one better have some serious data to back such claims up if they want to be taken seriously.

The scientific community can't just take the fact that "the Bible says so" or the fact that you really, really believe it as credible reasons to give creationism a second glance.

The burden of proving creationism lies with the creationists. Science is under no burden whatsoever to disprove it.

Well stated...you make a good point.

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I am a christian nurse in the chicago area, and there are tons of us here. Just keep in mind that this is the platform that God has given us to live out our faith. To me there is no better calling than to have the blessed privilege to care for those who are sick with the love, grace, and mercy of Christ! Yes, you may be alone in the environment where you work, but you are not alone! because Christ lives in you so it is as though he himself were taking care of them through you. I know it can be difficult when you are weary and there are no other christians around on the job to give you spiritual encouragement. Just keep in mind that he who has called you is faithfull and he will also keep you!

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Oh no, it's not arrogant at all. In fact, it's laid out rather clearly in the Bible on what a person displays who is truly Christian. We are, actually, told to be judgmental of those who claim to be Christian but don't show it. Coincidentally, that was what Christ did quite often... Tell people who claimed to be religious and holy that they were actually spiritually dead and headed for death. See, it's not much different today. I invite you to read the Bible for yourself and you might be surprised...Christians are not based what you call yourself, but the status of your heart, which is plain to all people by the fruit in your life. And by 'fruit' I mean the 'fruit of the spirit' which is plainly described as love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. It's It's a daily struggle to live that way in this world, but God gives you the ability to rise above circumstances. Thanks for asking!

Thank you for inviting me to read the Bible - I love horror stories. This one scared the crap out of me. I love how God murders babies and has no remorse about it whatsoever. Terrifying!

Bible Atrocities: Atrocities in the Bible

Also - great information on the definition of "traditional marriage":

http://www.upworthy.com/the-top-8-ways-to-be-traditionally-married-according-to-the-bible

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Specializes in Telemetry, IMCU.
Thank you for inviting me to read the Bible - I love horror stories. This one scared the crap out of me. I love how God murders babies and has no remorse about it whatsoever. Terrifying!

Bible Atrocities: Atrocities in the Bible

Also - great information on the definition of "traditional marriage":

http://www.upworthy.com/the-top-8-ways-to-be-traditionally-married-according-to-the-bible

I love when people nitpick at the Bible :rolleyes:

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