If a patient asked you to pray with or for them at the bedside, would you?
I had this discussion with some other nurses and the responses were interesting. Some said they would have no problem, others said it was too personal a request for a patient to ask, and others said they would call the chaplain as they felt it is a chaplain function only.
I witnessed one occurence where a patient asked his nurse to pray with him. Without hesistation, she took his hand and prayed a very nice non-denominational prayer. I realize not everyone can or might not want to do this, but it really brought solace to that patient.
Specializes in ICU, Pediatric, Psychiatric, Med/Surg.
I can remember questions on tests in school about cultural sensitivity, and for example,,the answer was always to do what the patient asked if possible,,,if they want a witch doctor, call him,,,ect.
I feel that the patient is more than his body-and I am non-judgemental enough to be confident to pray,,,so I would do it.
I had a patient once who believed a voodoo curse had been put on her,,,she never got any better and eventually died. She truly believed it.
If she had asked me to contact the curse-remover, I would have. Prayer is such a simple act of compassion in comparison.
I would never tell a patient no on such a simple request-who on earth would care to hear the nurse's FEELINGS when they need prayer?
I think it is an honor to know that a pt. would ask his/her nurse to pray with them because that nurse must be doing one heck of a good job for them to feel comfortable enough to ask them to pray with them. I think it is an extraordinary compliment to the advocate for the pt.
Specializes in Peds, Med-Surg, Disaster Nsg, Parish Nsg.
I pray with my patients all the time. I am a Parish Nurse, and a big part of my job is to provide spiritual support. I am employed jointly by a hospital and my church, and I am on the ministerial staff at my church. I help to provide Wholistic care.....mind, body, and soul. I feel very blessed to be able to care for patients through prayer and to share in some very special and difficult times.
HeartsOpenWide, RN
1 Article; 2,889 Posts
I would and without a second thought. I have even asked a patient that I knew was religous if she want me to pray with her.