I would love to hear from some more experienced ppl some ways to deal with these types of personal questions. In my region, there are many devout evangelical Christian people who I think are genuinely concerned about the state of my soul. When folks like this are in the hospital, they're also feeling vulnerable, and they probably want to discuss their faith with someone who can help them feel more grounded. I am not necessarily that person.
I get the questions, "Are you saved?" "What church do you go to?" "Have you accepted Jesus as your lord and savior?" etc. frequently in the hospital where I work. 1. I don't believe my personal religious stuff is my patients' business. 2. I do not want to be dishonest about my personal religious/lack of religious stuff.
So far, the best I've come up with is, "It sounds like Christ is important in your life. Tell me more about that."
I would love to hear from some more experienced ppl some ways to deal with these types of personal questions. In my region, there are many devout evangelical Christian people who I think are genuinely concerned about the state of my soul. When folks like this are in the hospital, they're also feeling vulnerable, and they probably want to discuss their faith with someone who can help them feel more grounded. I am not necessarily that person.
I get the questions, "Are you saved?" "What church do you go to?" "Have you accepted Jesus as your lord and savior?" etc. frequently in the hospital where I work. 1. I don't believe my personal religious stuff is my patients' business. 2. I do not want to be dishonest about my personal religious/lack of religious stuff.
So far, the best I've come up with is, "It sounds like Christ is important in your life. Tell me more about that."
Thoughts? Opinions?
Rebecca, that agnostic porterwoman
Rebecca, In my Mental Health class, you would have gotten an A++ for therapeutic communication. That is a very positive way to turn the conversation back to the patient. Bravo. :yelclap:
Asking me about religion is like asking me if I had sex last night. It is so deeply personal. I liked the response about Jesus being important to the patient, but I would never ask them to tell me more about it. I probably turn red, stammer and say something to the effect I don't discuss religion. It just really creeps me out to discuss something like that with strangers.
Just because you're not SHOUTING IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS doesn't mean you're a bad person if you are a believer. I think that there is a big difference from evangelising during your work and during your personal life. You just shouldn't engage in these personal conversations with your patients. I am sure that most organizations would agree.
How I was taught in my church was that it was always best to lead by example. You don't have to nessassarily beat your beliefs into someone's head if the way you live shows them everything they need to know.
Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.
Just because you're not SHOUTING IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS doesn't mean you're a bad person if you are a believer. I think that there is a big difference from evangelising during your work and during your personal life. You just shouldn't engage in these personal conversations with your patients. I am sure that most organizations would agree.
How I was taught in my church was that it was always best to lead by example. You don't have to nessassarily beat your beliefs into someone's head if the way you live shows them everything they need to know.
Thanks, Sharon. I was beginning to feel a bit beat up on. But of course, this isn't the first time I've read nasty comments about Witnesses on this board. Of course, a few bad experiences from some must represent all of us, I guess.
You're welcome. Somebody ringing my doorbell once in a blue moon is nothing compared to some "Christian" cozying up to a corrupt politician and trying to force their narrow world view on everyone.
Thanks, Sharon. I was beginning to feel a bit beat up on. But of course, this isn't the first time I've read nasty comments about Witnesses on this board. Of course, a few bad experiences from some must represent all of us, I guess.
Wondered if I was alone. Feeling better now.Hi sis.
While I prefer Jeepgirls answer, I have never had the guts to use it!:chuckle
I am LDS, you should try being a Mormon in Georgia where I grew up. While I embrace my religion and do my best to lead my life according to it's teachings, I recognize that many do not agree with me. I had a doctor ask me where I went to church once. When I told him, he began the tirade about how I was going to hell, blah, blah, blah. Since then, I decline to answer.
It is not that I am ashamed of it, I just believe there is a time and place for it. I would not expect an answer from someone if I ask them who they voted for as well. There are some things that just do not need to be discussed in a setting such as the hosptal.
I have no problem praying with a patient if they wish. I respect other beliefs and try to be invisible if someone has their clergy with them. But, when I have been asked that question, I now answer, that it is a personal issue and I prefer not to discuss it at work. When pressed, I will say that I am Christian and am comfortable with my salvation, and then turn it back to them if they wish to discuss their own beliefs, but I never argue about it.
I am one of 13 kids, once people find this out they ask me if my parents were LDS or Catholic...to which I answer...nether just horny! It's no ones bizz wax!
Just because you're not SHOUTING IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS doesn't mean you're a bad person if you are a believer. I think that there is a big difference from evangelising during your work and during your personal life. You just shouldn't engage in these personal conversations with your patients. I am sure that most organizations would agree.
How I was taught in my church was that it was always best to lead by example. You don't have to nessassarily beat your beliefs into someone's head if the way you live shows them everything they need to know.
I also liked your answer, jeepgirl.
As nurse, in the position of being caregivers, we have to be careful that we do not try to {for lack of a better word}........"impose" our personal beliefs onto our patients.
Patients could complain and probably have a legitimate greivance if we went around doing that, however, some people as patients, feel it is okay to question us and attempt to do the same to us.
I am a Christian, I am "saved", I do know who Jesus is, but I also feel that religion is best left out of the workplace, esp. in the caregiver/patient roles.
The playing field is not level there.
Now if the patient and I were to meet up on the street......that would be a different matter.
Actually that might be something interesting to bring up at one's place of work. Can we have sort of designated people who feel comfortable praying with the patient when the patient request it.
Where I work, that is the chaplain. We have a chaplain available 24/7.
I would love to hear from some more experienced ppl some ways to deal with these types of personal questions. In my region, there are many devout evangelical Christian people who I think are genuinely concerned about the state of my soul. When folks like this are in the hospital, they're also feeling vulnerable, and they probably want to discuss their faith with someone who can help them feel more grounded. I am not necessarily that person.
I get the questions, "Are you saved?" "What church do you go to?" "Have you accepted Jesus as your lord and savior?" etc. frequently in the hospital where I work. 1. I don't believe my personal religious stuff is my patients' business. 2. I do not want to be dishonest about my personal religious/lack of religious stuff.
So far, the best I've come up with is, "It sounds like Christ is important in your life. Tell me more about that."
Thoughts? Opinions?
Rebecca, that agnostic porterwoman
I am a red blooded full blown atheist. But I also realize when I am rolling someone into OR that isn't the time to tell them that the masked face working on them is a heathen. I lie. I lie through my teeth. You get some 80 y/o going in for a dangerous surgical procedure and you don't need the added paranoia. If they ask me to pray, I bow my head and think of anything I can do to make my patient more comfortable. If s/he thinks I am praying, it's all the better for my patient.
There is a time and place for absolutely everything. In a hospital setting where someone is facing a life threatening procedure, that isn't the time nor the place. My job is to get that patient through "X" and by zog, that's what I'll do.
punnit_square
46 Posts
Rebecca, In my Mental Health class, you would have gotten an A++ for therapeutic communication. That is a very positive way to turn the conversation back to the patient. Bravo. :yelclap: