Working as a RN with a Different Religion at a LDS/Mormon Hospital

U.S.A. Utah

Published

Hey,

I was just wondering if anyone knows what it's like to work at a Mormon/LDS hospital when you do NOT practice that religion?

Does this hospital practice the religion in their facility or is it just named the LDS Hospital since Intermountain bought it while it was a church?

Is this hospital any different because of it being LDS? (For example, if there's a Catholic hospital that doesn't do abortions and if I were Pro-Choice, then me working there would be a problem)

I definitely don't have a problem with people of LDS faith, but I am Christian and don't want there to be any "incongruence" with my religion and my practice. Basically, I don't want to inadvertently "support" or "take part in" something in the healthcare field I would be uncomfortable with later.

Thank you!

p.s. I really hope this doesn't offend anyone. That is not my intention in the slightest. I just want to make sure I can give the best care possible to all patients without compromising my own morals & values

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I work in a Catholic Hospital and I'm not Catholic. Doesn't effect me at all. I go in, do my job, and go home.

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For the most part religion does not get in the way of people getting medical care in hospitals, religion-based or secular. If the thought bothers you, then you should choose a different place to work.

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It doesn't bother me at all from what I know. I just don't know much about LDS and if they had some kind of extreme practice (like if it's ok for them to streak in a hospital hahah) then I may want to reconsider.

Also, I don't want to do something wrong like, if I were at a Jehovah's witness hospital, give them blood when I wasn't suppose to.

All I really know is that LDS can't have coffee...and as long as that doesn't apply to the staff, I'll be ok :roflmao:

i tried researching online if there were practices I would need to be vigilant of but I couldn't find anything specific so I thought I'd ask here

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I would think that you could discreetly inquire of your immediate supervisor when you first get on the job, or you might inquire in HR at the time of your hire, if they have a list of suggestions for employees in your situation. But in most situations, you can probably rely upon your instincts. I doubt that you would be asked to say or do anything that would offend the run of the mill patient.

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Hi.

I live and work locally here in Utah. Let me help explain.

LDS hospital is owned by Intermountain Healthcare, the largest hospital system in the state. The LDS (mormon) church sold each hospital they owned to IHC in 1975.

Although Intermountain has many LDS people employed within its company, there are no problems with those who practice other religions or believe in different faiths. The company believes in being respectful of other cultures, as this must be practiced with the wide variety of patients we get. LDS hospital in particular is no different.

So long story short, don't sweat it. I promise it will make NO difference. Just be kind and demonstrate good work ethic and things will be just fine.

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I am a holiness Christian. I've worked in a regular hospital for years and one thing that is stressed no matter which hospital you work in is diversity. I constantly get what we call web in services which are tests you have to pass frequently on this subject. We are not to treat all patients the same regardless of religion we are to treat them with respect regarding their religion this treat each individual differently. what I mean is we will make accommodation's for all a persons beliefs and if they have weird rituals we allow them space to perform these. I am pretty sure that they will not because of this force any of their rituals onto employees as well. I am able to wear a skirt to work even though its probably a lot more practicle to wear pants.

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Specializes in Pedi.
Also, I don't want to do something wrong like, if I were at a Jehovah's witness hospital, give them blood when I wasn't suppose to.

That would be IMPOSSIBLE to do. Nurses don't just go around giving blood transfusions to random patients. Consent is required for blood products and 2 RNs have to check blood and be present when it is hung. The transfusion has to be ordered by the physician, labs need to be drawn for a type and crossmatch, the blood bank has to dispense the unit. I've never heard of such a thing as a "Jehovah Witness Hospital" though. Theoretically, one could imagine a situation where a JW patient is brought in s/p MVA hemorrhaging and no information is available as to their religion or desires re: blood transfusions. Most places would transfuse in that situation but it wouldn't be "doing something wrong", it would be treating the patient in his best interests based on the information you have available to you.

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Ditto what ICUman said. Regardless of the name, any hospital you work at in Utah will be similar. Culturally you'll notice a difference, but there are no requirements of you at this hospital that would be different from another anywhere else.

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It doesn't bother me at all from what I know. I just don't know much about LDS and if they had some kind of extreme practice (like if it's ok for them to streak in a hospital hahah) then I may want to reconsider.

Also, I don't want to do something wrong like, if I were at a Jehovah's witness hospital, give them blood when I wasn't suppose to.

All I really know is that LDS can't have coffee...and as long as that doesn't apply to the staff, I'll be ok :roflmao:

i tried researching online if there were practices I would need to be vigilant of but I couldn't find anything specific so I thought I'd ask here

I work at St. Marks which is a, or was a catholic hospital. I have been working there for 3 years and one of the RN's thought i was LDS until a few months ago because she saw drinking coffee lol. living in Utah in general you are frequently going to get asked if you are Mormon. Most are very tolerate of the fact if you are not. I have only been interrogated a couple times. both times by patients. I am not easily offended by the topic of religion and just hear what they have to say.

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Specializes in hospice.

I'm Catholic but work in an area of Arizona with a heavy Mormon population. The biggest issue I've dealt with from that faith that impacts on medical care is temple garments. Some people derisively call them "magic underwear." Not all Mormons wear temple garments, but for the ones who do, it's serious business. The garments are supposed to remain against their skin at all times except for bathing. It's supposed to be the first layer, but most families are fine with making an exception for incontinence products when necessary. Most people have several sets, so when you bathe them you just put on a fresh set. There is usually a tank-top style shirt and bottoms cut like shorts. They're always white as far as I know, and you won't be able to mistake them for anything else. HTH

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Specializes in Pediatric.

Kudos for doing research first! Caliotter gave you good advice.

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