Religion in the work place

[Blufea]

Is religion or lack there of, ever a problem in the workplace for Nurses? Has anyone gone through a difficult situation involving a conflict about religion?

[FurBabyMom, MSN, RN]

I'm a Catholic. I don't talk about it very often at work. Only in select occasions with people I know well. We had a day in the residency program I was in that we examined our own feelings about situations - including death/patient deaths. My cohort members, as such, I know their religious preferences/affiliations, and some of my other coworkers I know their beliefs because they bring it up.

When I worked a previous job, some of the little old ladies I took care of asked about my religion, and/or their families asked. I generally asked if there was something they'd be interested in discussing with a chaplain or clergy member. I don't mind admitting my religion but it's not 100% appropriate. There were groups of people in the area I used to live and practice in who were very set in their ways of disliking Catholics. The MOST I ever revealed in those situations was that I was in fact a Christian. They always pressed to see where I went to church, and I simply told them "In (city name of where I lived)". Yep. Living 75 miles away from work had benefits! :)

[SkepticRN]

I'm an outright atheist who has no problems stating so. I'm as forthright about my position as any Christian, Muslim, Jew et all would be and will happily discuss my views with you outside of the workplace. I've been fired by a couple of patients for politely refusing to join prayers and once had a nasty confrontation one day with a devout Catholic colleague who called me a satanic communist who should go live in Russia. The women I work with pray for me constantly to be saved because they don't understand how I can be good without God but only one or two of them proselytize. In the last 2 plus years, they've backed off because they see I'm very good at my job and care about my patients. I guess that's the cross to bear as it were of living in the deep south...

[Alnitak7]

Maybe a good answer for these patients who want you to join in prayer is "I'll send you some energy," or "I'll be thinking about you." The power of thought energy seems to be scientifically proven and if you tell them you'll think of them this might make some of them feel better.

The Nature of Thought Energy

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

I've had a few situations where I was cornered. It was difficult to deal with because it was a manager who brought it up. I was just asking to see how much of a problem it is.

Its good to support patients when they need it the most and I can't say how much I appreciate people who are respectful!

If you are cornered at work regarding your religion or for participation in a religious activity, then that is an issue.

If you are asked by a patient, I would say something along the lines of "this is about you, may I call your minister/the chaplin?"