7th Day adventist nurses

James Huffman · Oct 19, 2004

The same question, of course, would apply to observant Jewish nurses.

Euskadi1946 · Oct 19, 2004

You would need to discuss that matter with your nurse recruiter. I have worked in facilities where observant Jewish employees were given Fridays and Saturdays off and 7th day Adventists did not work on Saturdays. I'm sure you could make arrangements with your nurse recruiter.

elkpark · Oct 19, 2004

I am not Seventh Day Adventist, but I have worked in Seventh Day Adventist hospitals, and I can assure you that the hospitals did not close on Saturdays! The nurses (many of whom were SDA) came to work just like any other day. The concern for the patients' needs and the reality of operating a hospital took precedence over arbitrary religious observance. Of course, there may well be individual SDA nurses who feel strongly enough that they only take jobs that do not involve working on the Sabbath.

If the national (international) SDA denomination felt that strongly that members weren't "allowed" to work on the Sabbath, I doubt they would operate such an extensive chain of hospitals as part of their ministry.

Quickbeam, BSN, RN · Oct 19, 2004

I'm a 20 year nurse (RN) and I'm a Seventh Day Adventist. I currently work a Mon-Thurs job (perfect for an Adventist!) but for most of my career I worked the same schedule as everyone else. Christ healed on the Sabbath and most SDA nurses work some Sabbaths. It is not prohibited for essential health care workers. Often I'd volunteer to work every Saturday night shift in exchange for Friday nights off. In 2 places I worked , that was very appreciated as I'd always work Sunday nights as well.

Because I'm active in the church, I was happy to locate a job where I'd have the Sabbath off. But in my hospital years, it didn't bother me. People are sick, they need care.

EmilyCCRN · Oct 19, 2004

I'm pretty sure that it varies from state to state as to whether an employer must give you days off due to your religious preference. For Oregon, it doesn't look like nurses have the "right" to have certain days off because of their religion.

http://www.oda.state.or.us/nrd/swcd/PM_handbook/PM_Chap5.pdf

"Employers must accomodate religious...practices...unless to do so would cause undue hardship. This may include allowing flexible scheduling involving different religious holidays."

You should probably check with your state to see if employers must accomodate your days-off preferences.

Quickbeam, BSN, RN · Oct 19, 2004

As an SDA, I've never demanded anyone give me the Sabbath off. Since I worked nights, I tried to make it to the hospital's advantage to give me Friday night off. But you'd never be able to make a case for a religious exception in my opinion. Health care is 24/7.

Now, in my current job, I have asked for faith-based accommodations in 3 ways (I do presentations and community education). I've asked that I not be made to do presentations at casinos, not on the Sabbath and I'd prefer not to have to serve coffee. I stated these at my hiring interview and there hasn't been a problem, ever. I do offer back many presentations I've done on Sundays which many others wouldn't do. I think you need to be willing to be of value to your employer in return for respect of your faith beliefs.

James Huffman · Oct 19, 2004

Quickbeam, I like your attitude. I think you've sought to make it a win-win situation as far as your faith, and both sides (you and the employer) benefit because of it.

sharann, BSN, RN · Oct 20, 2004

I don't see a problem if you are straightforward about how serious your faith is. Just do as advised above, and be flexible with other days(like non-religious holidays and Sundays)

Blackcat99 · Oct 20, 2004

Thanks all for the information. My aunt is a 7th day Adventist and she told me that anyone who works on the Sabbath (Saturdays) is going to hell. So I was assuming that 7th day Adventist nurses had to all find jobs with Saturdays off. Thanks for the "real facts." :)

Dixiecup · Oct 20, 2004

I used to be a DON of a prison. I had a 7th Day Adventist working for me and I also had a devout christian who demanded Sundays off.They worked out a deal where one worked every saturday and the other worked every Sunday I knew I had at least one shift for sure covered for every week-end. It worked out great!!:)

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Oct 21, 2004

The same question, of course, would apply to observant Jewish nurses.

As my job is considered a Mitzvah, there is no conflict in working Friday Nights. I have also worked with Jewish Interns/Residents that frequently work their weekends. I may try to have Sabbath off, but am not penalized by our Creator, if unable to do so.

Our G-d understands that we must do this as it is a necessary thing, and spiritual thing that is beloved of him. He will not penalize us for it. We are expected to "make it up" in many cases, just like fast days. Much as women that are pregnant/nursing or Jews that are acutely ill are not permitted to Fast on Yom Kippur as it would cause harm. Jews that are diabetic have long used insulin (porcine origin) though it breaks Kosher. Intent is also recognized by G-d.