I am a BSN student taking a nursing theory class at the moment. I was wondering what is everybody's opinion regarding expressing religious believes in nursing theories. Does it offend you to find the word "God" when reading about certain theories. Example : "Persons have mutual relationships with the world and God" (Quote from my theory book re works of Sister Callista Roy)
I am Catholic myself so I do not find such statements offensive...I am just wondering what others think on this topic
I am pretty sure you have been trained. Parish nursing is a niche. Not everyone can do that.
As an example, our social worker is a former Catholic priest (had a change in vocation I guess). The amount of tolerance and flexibility that comes from him is absolutely amazing. Our nurses have no say in any religious matters. He handles them. So far, there have been no problems. Even with our muslim and sikh residents. It is quite amazing to watch really. That is definitely a skill he was taught and worked on. He is qualified. Our nurses aren't.
Speaking of other faith traditions . . that is why parish nursing is now called "Faith Community" . . .so no one feels left out.
When we were trained we had Sihk, Jewish, American Indian, SDA, Catholic, Muslim, speakers. Fascinating stuff.
steph
That would be good training for everyone I think. Especially in my part of the country. Even among the staff the diversity is staggering. We pretty much have all the religions covered between the staff and residents. Except maybe Wicca. Never have any problems though. Our former priest pretty much deflates any situations that arise effortlessly. This country could stand some more of that. Not to generalize but I see this skill among Catholic 'officials' more than anyone else. Strange considering the history of the Catholic church.
Specializes in icu, er, transplant, case management, ps.
I was under the misguided impression that this was a thread concerning religious beliefs and nursing theories. Instead, I find it has deteriorated into an argument about religious beliefs of certain individuals. To get it back to the original question. Roy is the only theorist that I am aware of that directly addresses a belief in God, in her theory. I may be incorrect but I belief she is a professor at a publicly supported university. She does not espouse one religion over another. And she leaves room for discussion over her theory.
Theory is just theory. We have gone from having one nursing theorist-Nightingale, to numerous ones. No theorist, that I am aware of, that espouse their theory solely as the only correct one. Nursing theory, like many other fields, holds many theorist, with many different theories. We are free to explore them, accept or reject any one we wish, including one that espouse a belief in God.
Woody:twocents:
A practicing Catholic who believes in another theorist, other then Roy.
Most religious (not spiritual) people fall to these tactics. My normal self would out argue and insult you in multiple languages. I am learning restraint here. Then I would imply that I was more intelligent but I think I just did that. Didn't really intend too.
It is easy to pick on Christians for their beliefs, because only those who present a case can be critiqued. Im sure if you explained why you are an atheist, someone could come along and punch holes in yours as well.
I certainly hope you dont insult me in multiple languages, but i think you meant "didnt really intend to". You claim that religious people "fall to these tactics" while doing similar yourself by trying to promote your "multiple languages" as evidence of superior intelligence. Well i consider intelligence (at least on a message board) to be exemplified by correct spelling and syntax which seems to be an issue both above and with statements like "What someone believes does not make it not an opinion."
I didnt mind your contention with sdavida as he did call your comments "rude, pseudo-intellectual, adolescent dribble". However, with the comments from your post suggesting your superiority to him, maybe you should find yourself in error ....
PS-It is easy to pick on Christians for their beliefs, because only those who present a case can be critiqued. Im sure if you explained why you are an atheist, someone could come along and punch holes in yours asi well.
A drive by shooting. How quaint... Typing skill and ability to use proper grammar/spelling are not the same thing. Especially when typing at night in the dark.
Thank you for playing...
I also never said I was superior to anyone. If you find yourself feeling inferior it is not my fault. Feelings of inferiority and/or thinking that other people think they are superior are internal self-esteem issues. Heal thyself nurse.
The majority of patients and nurses alike, have some kind of spiritual belief. Whether it is God, Allah, Jesus, Budda, or Wicca or many others. To some degree, most of us believe in a "higher being".
As long as no one is forcing their beliefs down my throat, I will do the same for them.
I see no harm in praying with a patient, at the patients request. I've read from the Torah for a patient, although I'm not Jewish. As nurses, we must treat the TOTAL patient. Their physical, emotional, cultural and spiritual needs should be addressed. Even agnostic or atheist nurses should respect their patients beliefs even though they differ from theirs.
I've most definately believe in spiritual healing. I have no problem incorporating religious beliefs of my patients in their plan of care.
Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN
11,305 Posts
What about Parish Nurses? Or as they are called now, Faith Community Nurses?
I am a FCN. May I address religious/spiritual needs?
steph