kickatthedark

Sun Tsu...the art of war. Get this book. There are ways to deal with people like this.

Point is..in nursing you are expected to go above and beyond to bring comfort and care to poeple. There are limits to this i feel, and I wish that it was discussed more. This "oh I do ANYTHING for my poor patients" Perfect nursey land attitude is unrealistic and quite frankly, dangerous in many ways. Yes, we are caregivers, but we are also human beings with limits.

I disagree. There are some old men of certain cultures who are taught that it's a nurses job to "relieve their needs". No joke. They're not saying it out of disrespect, they simply want to feel good. That's fine, but like praying with people...relieving male patients needs is not my job.

Atheism is not a religion. It is simply a lack of. Just like not collecting stamps isn't a hobby.

I am not upset. I was uncomfortable. The patient wanted me to comfort her in this way and I felt it was not my place to do so. I've also had male patients ask me to comfort them with sexual favours. I was uncomfortable with that too. They are on the same level to me.

My hospital is public (Canada). We are not required to pray with patients. I had a patient ask me to pray with her yesterday. It makes me uncomfortable. I dont believe in prayer, and faking it would be dishonest. As far as "spiritual support", I dont think you need to be a personally spiritual person to do this. Simply be kind and call the appropriate person. I respect my patients right to their own beliefs. I do t feel I should have to participate in those beliefs to be a supportive nurse.

When they give IM meds (Of any kind), say...a sedative..and the patient falls over passed out within 3 seconds. Must be that Vulcan pinch IM shot...

I am not religious. I do not pray. If praying makes you feel good then awesome. Do that. When patients are religious and need spirutual support, I am the first one to find their local pastor/rabbi/medicine man/etc. for them. This is how I can support my patient. I do not feel however, that I should be pressured to say prayers. yes, I will give my patient space and quiet time to pray if they want, but i don't feel it's my job to pray with patients. I feel this is over the line.