Religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin

SDALPN · Sep 16, 2013

So how do you deal with families who are religious when you are not and they ask you what your religion is? I've been asked before by very conservative Christian fundamentalists what religion I am and I know they were quite disappointed to learn I was not exactly what they were, and regarded me differently afterwards. I have a new case starting soon and the family is quite fundamentally religious. I am dreading the question which inevitably comes up. I plan on saying that when I'm on the clock, I never discuss three things: religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin. (This is what Linus says in the Charlie Brown cartoon, in case you've been living under a rock.) Does this sound too sassy? Or is it a safe, lighthearted way to divert the question? What do YOU do/say when your faith is questioned by people who really shouldn't be doing so?[/quote']
I'm honest about it. But I go no further than Christian because even different Christian beliefs can cause issues. I'm still uncomfortable for the same reason you are. Diverting the question may be obvious. I guess it depends on the family. If it seems like it could be a bigger issue in the future, I'd try to find another case. You could try asking the agency to deter parents from asking about religious beliefs. Of course, that depends in the agency too. And it won't help with the current case...may even hurt if the agency says something. Good luck! If you or anyone else finds a good answer, please share!

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Sep 17, 2013

I think the 'three things I never discuss' is a great approach- but my three are 'religion, politics and sex'! And btw- my husband was a pastor for nearly a quarter of a century.

And you can be polite and respectful (which I would recommend instead of borderline sarcastic) - just phrase it in terms of respecting each others privacy and boundaries.

Elle23 · Sep 17, 2013

As a "fundy" myself, I am more than happy to talk religion if the family (religious or not) initiates the conversation, which usually does happen simply because of my appearance.

Religion is a personal but not a private thing to me.

Not_A_Hat_Person, RN · Sep 17, 2013

I don't discuss religion or politics at work.

eeffoc_emmig · Sep 17, 2013

I refuse to discuss politics or religion anymore. I used to be more open - didn't wear my views on a t-shirt but would tell of asked. My views on the two topics are far from the "norm". I have lost so-called friends after they learned my views.

I have learned that most people who ask are looking for a reason to nit pick or not like you. It's no business of theirs as long as their child is well cared for. A family I once worked with asked (after they felt the need to tell me all about their beliefs), my response of "How does that affect the care I provide for your child?" The subject was dropped and never mentioned again. That family still requests me when they need a fill-in.

ventmommy · Sep 17, 2013

I never asked a nurse what his or her religion was. We have had, that I know of, Muslim, Christian, and Agnostic nurses. As long as the nurse respects the house rules, which should be made clear ahead of time (ie. no pork, keeps kosher, whatever), I don't think it should be an issue. Also, vice versa, if we ate pork (which we don't), I would never offer it to a Muslim or Jewish nurse.

Several nurses asked if the could pray for our son and our family and I was NEVER offended by this.

I don't know if I'd be so flippant as to add "the Great Pumpkin" to your comment only because many fundamental Christians don't celebrate Halloween and this might be offensive to them (or they have no idea what you are talking about and feel stupid).