"The Jesus Factor"

[FireStarterRN]

A collegue of mine in the ICU is soon moving to Home Health for several reasons, both personal and otherwise. At the nurses station the other day, she and one of the doctors were talking, and she mentioned to him, regarding one of his patients, that "The Jesus factor was all squared away". This co-worker is a very active Christian and so is the MD in question. I asked her what that meant and she said that she liked to make sure where people were going when they die. She said that that was one reason why she wanted to do home health and hospice, was to help people find Jesus before they die.

She is an awesome, awesome nurse, but I was always thought that this is not ethical. I would never discuss religion with a patient unless they wanted to and I don't think it's correct to try to convert them. She's basically going to be evangelizing her Home Health patients. I find that disturbing.

[sandynana3]

I think, if the patient agrees or initiaties the topic, it is ok. I don't think she should force her views on others, but gently ask if they would like for her to pray for them or with them. If they say no, then back out.:loveya:

[Emma Sue]

I work in a Hospice Palliative Care Unit. Many patients have their own Clergy to pray with them and help them and their families. Hospice provides Chaplins to do the witness and prayer with and for the patient and families on request. While we Nurses/CNA's do pray with the patients on request we are instructed to call our Chaplin for most of the religious needs as our Chaplins are trained in all religions and what and how to get the proper help for the patient and families. We had a CNA who was sure that most dying people were lost and she set out to fix that. The first patient she went to save looked at her and said, "Do you really think that I am dying because I am not a Christian?" "I have worked all my life to meet the Lord on my day of New Birth. I do not need to bargin for longer life now. I am ready to meet my God." She was stunned as she thought that he needed saving because he was dying. Most people already know the Lord by the time they have reached the end of life and have already made a choice.

[surgii]

I am a Christian also, but would never try to "convert" one of my patients. "The big deal" is the patient is a captive audience, can't walk away if this woman is bugging them. In addition, if the patient doesn't believe what you believe you are actually causing stress by trying to convert them. When we admit a patient we ask for religious practices that we need to know about (such as no blood transfusions) and if they would like a visit from the hospital chaplain. That's the extent of my involvment in a patient's beliefs. Now if they ask me questions I may converse with them, but I let them lead the way.

Why would a nurse encourage a patient to go to an Earth day rally? That makes no sense at all to me.

I dont think most Christian nurses go out of their way to "convert" anyone. If the situation arises and the patient is in need you would supply them with the BEST spirtual guidance afforded. Patients are in a captive situation but if they ask or lead in the direction to talk about Jesus I see absolutely nothing wrong with it. I have already seen in hosptials how just being known as a Christian can put us in a bad light. I have seen a women loose her job over being a Christian. She with stood great insults on her beliefs even thought she did not try to convert anyone. She sat through a satan worshippers tirades at her and in the end she was fired for standing up to what she believed. Is this where our "enlightened" thinking is going now?? I ask is this really enlightened at all that some can talk and others cannot. This is reflects what is going on in our society. We are spirtual beings and now it is criminal to share with others....a sad day for humanity

[Marsha Miller]

It's just not appropriate.

I have read the many comments and I think it is very much appropriate what this nurse wants to do. I think if she is a real Christian, she will know the appropriate time to bring up the subject and witness to her patient's or just pray in silence for them. I hope she reaches the multitudes and continues to do God's work.

I am conducting a real-life research study on the power of prayer as a way of healing. Many who I've interviewed stated they felt more comfortable when they had a nurse that prayed with and for them. It's not going to be received by all, but many will welcome this concept.

[Barb101]

Wow where to start with this one. If imposting ones sense of moral right to another is not bad enough. I mean to say who are we to judge a persons spiritual status - did you go thru a check list or something! I know we talk holistic nursing but lets be practical what is the base line & how do you check your pt is ready to make the next step. We are on the whole not psych's or counselors or minister's of religion I think we are trained to nurse the pt to enable the pt to accept the out come of thier medical condition be that curative or palitive. We should ensure our pts recieve the best care to ensure quality of life - in this life not the next leave that to the professionals.

This is only some of my thoughts as this ethical issue requires clarrifation across all nursing specialities.

Barb