Question Regarding Religious Beliefs

ZASHAGALKA, RN · Apr 25, 2006

Of course I would not want someone to do the entire procedure, and also I would be more than willing to do other "unpleasant tasks" for fellow nurses. But, I think zashagalka, obviously thinks not doing blood transfusions is ridiculous and perhaps has not considered the reasons that there are at least 120 bloodless hospitals worldwide. What you stated is only an opinion at best ( not even an opinion of one who's been to medical school) and IS appreciated. It helps me get a feel of the type of people I will be working with. It's a shame that some give the impression that nursing is all about blood transfusions.:trout:

First, I don't think strongly held religious beliefs are ridiculous. I, in fact, hold my own strong religious beliefs. But, religious beliefs have a cost - that is, sort of, the point I think. If religion didn't require anything from you, it wouldn't be religion.

What I said is that you must 1. examine your true beliefs, and 2. examine the cost of those beliefs. I stated that many JW nurses porifice this issue: there is a difference between what they believe for themselves and their nursing practice for others. I asked if and how much thought you'd given to this concept: it's a given that it's against your beliefs to receive blood; but had you given any real thoughts to whether it is truly against your beliefs to transfuse a non-believer.

Because you won't have any problems gettings somebody to flick a clamp open, but transfusing actually involves much more than that. It's the whole monitoring process. By that argument, if you are against abortion, so long as you aren't the doctor 'flicking the clamp' on the procedure, would you be ok in full participation, otherwise? It's an important series of questions - and the answers to THOSE questions will determine the answer to the questions you posed here: can you work in a hospital environment with your beliefs. I think you probably CAN get your co-workers to help in most cases - but if you are talking about a real religious contra-indication to transfusing others: I would think such a conscience stake would require more from you than just getting someone to 'flick the clamp'; I would think it would require shunning the whole procedure.

The following quote is from 'Deborah' at noblood.org "As a nursing student and as you enter your career, you will find that there are many ethical and moral dilemma's that you will face. Certainly as a Witness, you will have to come to terms with your own conscience in regard to blood/blood product administration. . . I can share with you that I have administered blood/blood products taking into consideration that this is the patients decision and it is ordered by a physician and not by me. If able, I would confirm with the patient prior to administration that the treatment was acceptable to them. As a Christian there are many behaviors I choose not to engage in however it doesn't mean I can stop others from making their own choice. Utimately you have to decide how you feel about this and you will have a choice of where you practice as a nurse. There are many opportunities available to be in a setting where blood transfusion is not an issue."

and from PANurseRN, "I agree that it is a conscience matter. I would caution you, though, to be careful about discussing the matter with others if you decide your conscience allows you to administer blood. There are some Witnesses who will feel very negatively about that; I found through experience to try to avoid those sorts of discussions. The Society says it's up to the individual...that should suffice."

Finally, I like this quote from http://healthcare.monster.com/articles/personalbeliefsandcare/?WT.mc_n=MNL000085

"There's a great obligation on the part of a religious believer to find an occupation where their practice won't injure third parties,"

~faith,

Timothy.