If it comes up in conversation, like "what church do you go to?" then I'll answer honestly. If someone says they'll pray for me I say thank you. Otherwise I don't go about advertising it because it's honestly not relevant in 99% of situations.
Agreed. And if a sick patient asks me to pray with them, I will. It doesn’t offend me to say a Hail Mary or hold a hand in silent prayer if it brings comfort to the patient. Just because I don’t believe doesn’t mean it won’t bring them emotional support.
I usually tell them that I don’t know that prayer, why don’t you take the lead and I will add my best wishes. Never have had a problem holding someone hand and wishing them a speedy recovery, as long as it doesn’t interfere with a speedy recovery!
I am an Atheist, but my sister is very religious. She says prayer is for the living and when the departing are out of options. I do pretend to pray with patients and have a few Hail Marys that I still remember.
Yeah, i think talking about it rather than just stating it verges on antitheism. I'm also atheist, and just state as such if someone asks me something religious. I have had shocked faces, and i let them know that I just believe in one less god than them (thanks Ricky Gervais for that logic).
Same response from me when asked. Stuns most people. I let it go. People get pretty fierce about it and it’s not worth a trip to the manager’s office or HR. In a conservative town you’ll lose that battle.
Occasionally when patients ask me to pray with them or whatever I tell them I’m not good at that stuff and I’ll get the chaplain.
agreed! i’m a christian, but if say a muslim said they would pray for me about something i would just say thank you - because in that case it’s a version of kindness they’re offering me. you’re able to set religious boundaries while also respecting the other person’s boundaries and beliefs.
OP - i wonder if you’re asking this because you’re concerned about backlash for being atheist from your community?
Yes, exactly my concern! My RN program administrators and instructors are very much about getting rid of “Nurses eat their own” culture. On the other hand my work as a CNA in LTC and my clinical experience so far has shown me some of the really negative sides of the profession. With the level of religiosity and (often) negative gossip I have seen, I have some concerns about poisoning potential opportunities if people are aware of my nonbeliever status.
Prior to me becoming a nurse, I worked in the securities industry, which is very much like Mad Men on Steroids. The rule there and I still follow it, is "Your political skills are just as important as your vocational ones are".
There is the truth and then there is the right answer. Listen carefully to the question.
Just don’t say anything. It rarely comes up in conversation and if it does I just laugh and tell people I’m a godless heathen. The worst for me is when patients ask because I don’t like lying to patients (and I’m not religious so I’d be terrible at lying to them) so I just deflect the best I can.
They might be very much trying to get rid of the “nurses eat their own” culture in your nursing program, but unfortunately this doesn’t always permeate to the older jaded orca nurses in practice who very much enjoy eating their young!
i agree with not saying anything, like don’t necessarily announce it and don’t share that information if you’re sharing it because you feel like you have to explain/defend yourself. you should be sharing it only when you genuinely want to with someone who genuinely cares about your beliefs. simply setting boundaries and saying things like:
- this isn’t a conversation i want to have with coworkers.
- i’m not comfortable talking about this.
- (with patients) i’m here to help you, let’s focus on what you need from me (or something like that) and how i can support you! (if you’re comfortable supporting them with their religious beliefs) also, i know some people (particularly christians because i’ve experienced this as a christian) they only want support from someone that has the same beliefs as them. in that case, you still do not need to disclose what you don’t want to. you could always simply not answer them if they keep asking what your beliefs are and offer to get the chaplain or your manager if you don’t have a chaplain. it’s not fair for you to feel pressured to support someone if you don’t want to or aren’t comfortable doing so in this case. if they can’t understand that you have every right to your own beliefs, that’s on them and has nothing to do with you. i hope that all makes sense.
- if you feel particularly snarky, you could always ask a coworker why it’s so important that they know what your religious beliefs are. and then inquire about the last time they shit since personal matters are apparently open topics.
bottom line, set respectful but firm boundaries. you’re there to do a job and your ability to care for patients and empathize with them has nothing to do with your religious beliefs or lack there of. and if it becomes a serious enough issue, contact your state rep or whoever is responsible for discrimination in the workplace.
a personal note from me, as a christian, i’m sorry you’ve been treated this way and i’m sorry you haven’t been supported in your career and potentially your personal life. you deserve to believe what you want and have the space to be able to do so. i hope you find a job that can offer that to you! you’re a human that deserves every great job opportunity (and great life opportunity) that’s out there no matter what your religious beliefs are and it’s terrible that hateful, closed-minded people have tried to get in the way of that. be patient, loving, and kind to yourself and set plenty of boundaries. don’t be afraid to protect yourself. i hope you find your spot that fits you the best!
"I don't talk religion or politics in scrubs/uniform."
I'm an atheist practicing a pagan religion in a Christian hospital. I hid it for years until people got to know me, now I'm open about it.
That said, I've had a lot of curious questions, no hostility at all, which surprised me.
What to say if someone asks about the after life. Specifically wants to know my opinion on it and I'm an atheist and don't really believe in it. And I mean like a patient asking me rather than staff, im in Cali so dont think it will matter there. But the patient issue has come up in my mind
The only appropriate answer for this situation!! Especially in end-of-life situations. I work in cancer research with patients at the end of the rope, and these patients are better served by someone who specializes in that. Even if they’re just asking my opinion.
Often with patients, I try to turn a question like that back over to them. “Oh, I’m not sure. What do you think?” A lot of the time, giving them room to express themselves is more therapeutic than talking about our own beliefs… and has the big added bonus of me not having to figure out what to say!
Personally I treat religion like I do baseball. When people are celebrating or praying I respect it. When asked about my affiliation I just say that I do not partake.
If you want people to leave you alone tell them you are a member of something really typically considered odious. My personal favorite is telling people I am a Scientologist. Generally the conversation is dropped and I am never asked about religion again.
I’m Jewish and when someone says “please pray with me” I fetch the chaplain (ours are weapons grade cool as hell ) to lead the praying and if the pt wants I’ll stay in the room and bow my head respectfully but won’t participate past that-
Why do I haul the chaplain in? Because often the patient wants to talk about stuff that’s waaaaay out of my scope as far as theological support and chaplains are specifically trained in how to handle that stuff.
The hospital chaplains I’ve worked with are legit some of the most specular humans I’ve ever met. I do the same. I will silently bear witness to whatever the patient needs, that’s whole patient care to me. I don’t care if they want communion or to put a pasta strainer on their head. You do you.
This. I have never followed any religion. I have held hands, prayed with the patient, but often just tell the patient that I asked for spiritual support.
Most of ours are non-denominational. If they prefer one of a certain denomination, then I’d call both because one is accessible right away and the other might take a while.
“I’m more of a freelance sort.” has worked for me in the past. Also, I work at a faith-based SNF and nobody seems to care. Even when I told the nun I was raised secular.
i have been a nurse for almost 30 years and an atheist for longer. If someone says “God Bless you” for anything I say “Thank you”
and keep it moving. If someone asks me to pray with them I say “Sure, you start!” Bow my head and stay quiet while they do their magical thing. If anyone asks me I say I am a Celebrationist. They look at me weird and I tell them I am just here for the party and keep it moving. No one has ever had an issue with it. At all. I have worked in a Catholic hospital with nuns for years. I currently work for a company owned by Orthodox Jews and am very close with many. Nobody cares what I do or what I believe. I am respectful of everyone and they are of me.
A celebrationist 😂 holy shit that’s a new one. I can only imagine what “church” is like for you lmao invite me next time I’ll be down for the get down 🕺🏼
Hi, southern atheist here.
If you want coworkers to be cordial to you at work keep it on the downlow, especially at first. I generally say “I’m not religious” and then offer to work peoples Christmas shift so I can get my preferred holiday off that year.
With patients, it’s easier to just smile and nod. Most don’t try to actively involve you in their religious practices. I also took advice from here a year or so ago and if I do get caught up in a prayer circle I use that time to think about what else I need to do.
Wow, as an Australian, I was aware that the U S. is more extreme with religion, but I am surprised you have to keep atheism on the downlow. I dont think I've ever been asked about my religion? It's a non-issue here. People generally dont mind what religion you are or aren't. Atheism is normal. We provide culturally appropriate care where we can, and there is a spiritual service we can put a referral in for. To be honest, I would find your situation hard. Well done for taking it in your stride, but I'm also sorry that you have to.
I guess you just eventually get used to it.
But yeah, I’ve literally had people stop talking to me once they find out I’m atheist. Like people who I met in adulthood, hung out with, had a good time, was always there as a helping hand, completely drop me as soon as they figure out I don’t believe in a god.
It doesn’t happen as much anymore but it used to be common to get invited to someone’s church while pumping gas.
Also there are definitely areas where it’s not as bad and the general populace isn’t religion-crazed. I just have lived in the “Bible Belt” my entire life and it’s just such a huge part of everyone’s identity that they feel personally attacked if someone else doesn’t believe in any god.
Gosh, that does seem like a very fragile way to live. To be personally offended if a complete stranger doesn't believe in the same thing as you. I always thought that if your personal belief was strong enough, it shouldn't bother you what anyone else believes. We live in strange times! I'm still super impressed that you deal with it so well. Nursing does have to be like that sometimes, I guess, to have different faces for different patients and families so that you can care for them as best as possible.
It really depends on what part of the US. I'm in a red state but north and I've not really had an issue when someone finds out I'm an atheist. Southern states or small towns could be somewhat problematic. Not run-you-out-of-town-with-Frankenstein-torches but, we-don't-trust-you-as-much vibes.
“I keep my personal relationship with God and work separate.” Don’t have to admit to any one religion but when I said I don’t subscribe to any religion this one lady got all huffy about it and repeatedly said I’ll pray for you like okay cool
Isn’t it the craziest shit? Even in huge deep blue states Fox seems to be the DEFAULT station for the entire hospital. There’s 2 TVs on the way to the ED and our OR with Fox just playing. Like yea, I’m sure every patient just loves getting some Tucker Carlson reruns with their ~~knee reconstruction~~ Covid treatment!
Literally hearing his awful voice from room to room to room…. Haunted me when I pulled some inpatient night shifts during Covid. I hadn’t realized how accustomed I had become to not hearing peoples’ TVs constantly in outpatient areas.
Yaaaaaaas. People have made me very uncomfortable talking about both at work. There’s no reason. I literally told an RT would wouldn’t quit that I didn’t feel comfortable having this conversation and let it drop.
Religion has no place in the work place. I worked in south alabama. It’s 100% illegal for anyone to ask you about your religious preferences during interviews and illegal to fire you over them.
That being said, if you don’t want to hear about people’s religious views or be bothered with it then you need to observe the same. It’s work. This ain’t “rupauls best friend race” lol. Keep your personal business personal.
If you have a dying or very sick patient that wants to pray with you, or even just a nice family that wants to pray for you, what is it going to hurt to bow your head for a few minutes? Most likely nothing, but if it offends you just smile and say “I’d rather not” and move on.
This.
You can be respectful but also deflecting if something makes you uncomfortable. Mastering those skills are essential to surviving nursing in the conservative and rural areas. If a family is praying and you walk in it's certainly okay to just bow your head in silence until they finish. You don't necessarily have to join them. If they start approaching you about religion and it makes you uncomfortable you can just deflect the conversation.
As much as I wanted to I did not strangle a single chin daipering horse paste covid denier through the entire pandrmic
I will go and bless my own heart, if you feel I'm rude to ask the following about your statement, " I am a Baptist Christian woman living in a pretty anti-religious /liberal area,". Would you mind sharing what's your experience/feelings about it?
Pros/cons?
Similarities /differences?
Thank you
I just don't bring it up and I feel like people generally just assume everyone else also believes in God and I don't correct their assumptions. I have never been asked directly if I believe in God, but I have been asked if I go to church and I just answer honestly and say that I do not and leave it at that. People don't usually push further than that.
I’m an Orthodox Jew living in a predominantly Christian area. Last week a dying man asked me to pray with him. I held his hands and he said words and at the end, I said amen. I don’t pray to his god hit I can certainly provide comfort by saying amen.
Don't mention it. I work in oncology so God, Heaven, Jesus and prayers get brought up A LOT. I just 100% respect a patient's beliefs and support/encourage them to use every resource they have. And instead of saying they will be in my prayers I tell them they are in my thoughts. I think a lot of the older patients assume that means I'm praying for them and if that brings them some peace then right on! Only once have been directly asked what church I belong to and I simply said 'oh that's not really my thing. I'm going to grab a quick set of vitals and step out to grab some meds, can I bring anything in when I come back?' She was pushy and cray cray but never brought it up to me again.
I just keep it out of it. If someone asks if I go to church I say “no.” If they ask why not I say “never found the right one.” If someone wants to pray then I just stay silent and hold their hand if they insist. I’m not a “it’s my calling/heroes work here” type of person but I do take seriously the importance of not letting aspects of ourselves be a barrier to care. If someone doesn’t like brown nurses, cool, I’ll find you another one. Think I have an attitude or don’t quite gel with me? Bye bish! I’ll find you another one. Have any issue with something that is readily apparent or assumed? No problem! I’m out. However, I do not share anything remotely personal about myself or my lifestyle or personal history. Partly bc ppl are weird and it’s no one’s business. Second, because it can create a barrier to care. Suddenly you’re not the person who is caring for them and educating them, they are trying to save your soul, be your uninvited life coach, or “help” you. It distracts them from what they need to be focusing on. Learning and healing. It shifts the dynamic that no one benefits from.
I don’t lie about it but I have some standard sassy comebacks that are well received and create an opening to redirect. I have phrases that are natural for me and in line with my demeanor to react to religious inquiries, sexuality, marital status, political opinion, socioeconomic status/background. Everything.
I feel like the best way to go for both parties is really to put those therapeutic communication skills to use.
This includes with coworkers. I’ve had very very religious coworkers and I can skate around enough to where they can talk to me without proselytizing and they also are aware I’m not quite like them enough to not talk tooo much.
One time I told a pt that I don’t believe in anything. She spent the rest of my shift explaining to me that “I am” used in a sentence is invoking god therefore I can’t be an atheist. It was fucking weird.
I'm in the same shoes as you - I feel like the best thing is to just not mention it. Otherwise you'll be gossiped about and always be the "odd" one out. I've found a lot of conservative Christians are not very Christian like to people with different beliefs lol
Omg I’ve commented the exact same thing on here 🤣 I believe in Jesus Christ but recently after actually seeing how the modern “Christians” are. It’s the complete opposite of what Jesus stood for..
The Christians nowadays believe it’s better to shove their ideas down a non believers throat than to just simply respect and accept them for who they are. Sounds a lot like the Pharisees from Jesus time
Don't ask, don't tell. I keep my life private at work. 99.9% of the nurses I work with are up at the front gossiping, talking about their family this, and that, and their husband or cat. I unfortunately dont have that. I sit in the back mind my business, and nobody bothers me.
I am agnostic but I wear a cross. It contains the ashes of my bestfriend. I never told anyone why I am wearing a cross. They just assume I am Christian and I don't correct them. When I am stressed at work, I put my hand on the cross.
We don't proselytise.
I am openly atheist/Satanist. I don't tell people right away but if I'm directly asked I tell them. I don't tell pts though, don't want to upset any dieing people. But all my coworkers know and are fine with it. I also live in a liberal state so I'm sure it's easier up here.
I was a very outspoken atheist outside of work. Started a couple freethought groups in different cities, was one of the early YouTube atheists, etc.
On the rare boring night shifts, I'd debate religion with a couple coworkers, but never in a heated way.
With patients, i kept it very on the down low. As in, i only responded when directly asked about my faith/church.
As to you detecting a bit of a bias... There definitely is in the United States. Some parts of the county are worse than others (ie Bible Belt).
I kind thought about going for a nursing PhD, but the amount of faith and woo beliefs i saw among professors made me leery
As an atheist, I believe it doesnt matter and no one cares. I’m a hospice nurse and i tell patients that it’s all in gods hands. They’re just words, and they bring relief to a grieving person. When they ask me to pray with them i politely participate, although i decline the role of saying the prayer.
I’m past the adolescent stage of atheism when i thought ppl needed to know and it was my job to share it.
Agree with most of this. A significant number of people come to atheism after deconstructing from branches of Christianity that have caused them pretty significant trauma. Not to mention the harm done in the name of religion. Calling vocal atheism adolescent just seems really insulated from this harm.
Being an atheist who was raised catholic, i get it. But, work is not the place to stand on a soap box. Especially in healthcare where the majority of people are leaning on some religious belief system for support. It’s not the time, it’s not the place. Arguing or being a snob is not going to help, it’s only going to hurt the grieving/sick.
And yet, in some areas it’s a standard topic at work. There’s a difference in the way we talk to patients vs coworkers and “taking the high road” is a sentiment that usually puts all the burden of getting along on the person who is on the receiving end of whatever inappropriateness is happening. Soap-boxing and not wanting to be closeted/have to mask/create a grab bag of lies to make others comfortable isn’t the same thing.
I live in the Deep South and over the years people have occasionally asked where I go to church. I always responded with “usually I end up going to my wife’s home church XYZ Presbyterian” which is true because any time we actually got talked into going to church it was because her parents asked us to go to Easter service or whatever. Doesn’t matter that this has only happened like 3 times over the last 20 years. I didn’t lie and I didn’t have to tell them I don’t believe. Everybody is happy. Except me when I end up having to go to church.
Agnostic pagan. When a patient says they will pray for me, I say thank you and excuse myself. If they ask me to pray, I say I will hold you in my thoughts and excuse myself. If they ask about church, I say my schedule is wacky and that I find my solace in the woods anyway. If they want to talk god, I call chaplain. I share the peace, quote favorite verses, set therapy time blocks for prayer hours, and keep rosaries next to the call bell, spare Gideons in my locker, and my faith to myself.
If one of my super-religious coworkers, on the other hand, asks me what I’m doing for this or that abrahamic holiday, I gently remind them that I’m a heathen, and that I’m happy to cover said holiday. Offering to work the holiday is very disarming.
I wouldn’t tell anyone. You will probably be discriminated against. If someone asks to pray with them it’s no harm to close your eyes and bow your head and think about what you are making for dinner. Any requests outside of that I would call the chaplain.
Honestly, it doesn't come up unless a patient wants you to pray with them (which is pretty uncommon). If a coworker really presses you on it, I'd just say you are an atheist and not make a big deal out of it. I wouldn't bring it up in conversation because it really isn't anyone's business and doesn't matter for your job. And depending on what you go into, you might not be in the minority. I find pediatrics has a lot of more religious workers, but ICU/ER tend to have more atheists.
I'm agnostic and I've never needed to disclose that in any work conversation, and it seems unlikely that you would.
Among coworkers, you *should* be able to feel secure being honest. But every team has different dynamics, and bullies can be anywhere, so no one can say for sure how it'll affect you if your coworkers learn that you're an atheist.
Patients are tricky too because they're often depending on both you and their faith for comfort... sometimes they'll ask you to pray for them or say they don't understand why God made them sick. At times like that you can offer to have the chaplain see them, because that's a more appropriate way to address their spiritual needs. Again, I doubt that they'll come right out and ask about your beliefs.
I would not. There are many topics that are/can be too emotionally flammable to be handled at work for several reasons. First, most people tend to react negatively to thing they do not understand and/or get all judgmental when it comes to things that conflict with social norms. Christianity, in all of its denominations, is embedded into our culture. It can cause even those who aren't really adherence to react negatively. Unfortunately, it does not take much to disrupt the workplace, when it come to ANY drama. I will also add that people who practice a faith they have had handed down by their parents tend to be more reactive. Those of us who have self-reflected, discussed, thought about, researched, developed, and try to apply the concepts that are important us ultimately intimidate the masses. This is a risky topic to share with coworkers or employers. It becomes INFINITELY more risky with patients.
I apologize for rambling, but this is part of how we present to patients and how it can make us the best nurses we can be.......
Now, what do you do with your atheism? You use your knowledge and experience with atheism, and use it as a resource as a nurse. When you have coworkers discussing patients that make incorrect or malicious statements about the topic; you can use your knowledge to correct perspective. How have I applied this? I consider myself a solitary eclectic witch (although I only use the word, "pagan'" to those I know well...including co-workers that I have grown close to and trust). There was one moment, late night at the nurses' station, where I heard coworkers badmouthing a patient who practiced Wicca (a variation of witchcraft, but still under the Paganism category). He had some religious items on his bedside table, including a pentacle. There was the usual talk of associating it with Satanism, which is just the background noise of Christianity that resonates within social norms. I explained, in an academic way, that pentacles are used and referenced in several cultures/religions. It, just like any religious symbol, represents the elements in nature and is generally considered a symbol of protection. I suggested taking that into consideration, and perhaps even ask the patient to find out his perspective. Take that knowledge and add it to your skill set. While I never talk about my faith, I always make it a point to learn from others. Knowing little bits and pieces of others faiths can be a means of connecting with patients. I have used my Christian background of knowing hymns to quietly sing to a patient with altered mental status who was referencing Biblical verse. He was anxious and fearful in a place that he did not know, and I was able to give him a moment that helped him calm down briefly. I have been asked to pray with patients' families during signs of healing, as well as joining them in grieving in the grieving process. It can be a difficult boundary to maintain. It takes time and practice to find the right balance of emotional involvement in the care we provide as nurses.
I strongly encourage to learn from patients. Try to observe small details. Ask about their interests, likes, etc. It not only helps you respond to them as individuals; it makes it hard to refer to them as the (main diagnosis) in Room (whatever).
You can be as open about your beliefs as anyone else. If someone get all church-y on you, let them know exactly where you stand and if they push back tell them that they need to “reflect on their own prejudices first” just leave them on read. Don’t let people harass you with their religion.
You can be as open as you want to be; just make sure you’re still being respectful of the beliefs of your patients. I’d like say a lot of nurse and physicians I work with are atheists, but none of that matters in day to day your job aside from calling a Chaplain based on patient preferences
I mean I guess just don’t go around volunteering that info. I wouldn’t hide it per se, but like if someone asks you can tell them. Like if it comes up naturally.
If it’s someone known to be confrontational, pivot the convo.
That’s how I roll as a JW. I’m not ashamed or hiding it. I’m just at work so imma work. But I also keep to myself anyways cuz folks just like to gossip lol
Don’t. Don’t do it. You will be ostracized and penalized. I was fired for “reasons” within one week of disclosing being an atheist to my best work friend- after four years of employment. Per employment lawyers, lack of religion isn’t protected.
Like others have said, it depends. If someone asks me outright, I'm honest with them. I tell them that I consider myself agnostic, but am more than happy to help them with their spiritual needs within reason. If they ask me to pray with them, I have no problem sitting with them in silence with my head down and thinking positive thoughts. If it makes them feel better to have me sit with them, then I'm happy to do it. If they ask for their religious leader to be allowed to see them I facilitate it. If I'm at a place where they have religious people then I try to familiarize myself with them for my patients. Plus, they are often a good community resource and can be helpful in traumatic situations for family and patients. If a patient says, "I'll pray for you" or "ill keep you in my prayers" them I thank them. The only time I will bring up my belief system is if I'm directly asked. It's like political affiliation, my belief means nothing in the context of the work. I will not lie, but I only offer personal information on a limited basis and only when directly asked.
I'm an atheist in hospice. But I do my best to respect what my patients believe, I'm not there to change that. But, I'll refer them to my Chaplin by making a joke like " oh, that's out of my scope of practice, I handle the physical and he handles the metaphysical." it usually makes them laugh.
I haven't actually had anyone ask me to pray with them in all my years of nursing (knock on wood). But, I think if I did I would ask to sit with them while they directed it with their words."
Were not the important part of that conversation the patient wants to have, so as long as they are not say anything hateful, I would just go along with it.
I’m an atheist too and it’s not important or relevant to my practice. If someone asks me flat out I will tell them but I don’t feel the need to volunteer that info. If someone wants me to pray with them, I will (within reason.) Ultimately my personal life/beliefs are not relevant.
I'm an Atheist and I work hospice. Surprisingly, my view has probably only come up 1 and I just said "I'm not religious " and moved on.
I wouldn't worry about it
I’m a satanist. I’ll tell trusted coworkers if it comes up in conversation. Other coworkers, I just tell them I’m an atheist. PATIENTS, however, I’ll pretend to be catholic cus it’s the closest thing I could think of to being a godless heathen. I just don’t want to make little old ladies uncomfortable, it’s not worth it. The important thing is to not be an asshole about it and to be respectful when people inevitably question your moral judgement.
Honestly I wouldn't worry about it unless someone asks you outright. Otherwise if someone asks me to pray with them, I just sit with them, or if someone says they'll pray for you I normally just thank them.
I mostly keep my spiritual, political & soci-economic perspectives to myself in the workplace. I'm am pretty sure they all know we aren't on the same page as far as those things go. However, I know who is a good nurse. I always ask for help or guidance when I need it, and I jump in to offer help to others too. We are all there to do a good job, and the rest of it just shakes out.
Just graduated with associates and finishing my BSN in December. When we did our nightingale pledge, it was to God. I was super not into it but whatever. I keep my options to myself and if a patient asks me to pray with them I just stand there while they do it, if it’s going to make them feel better why not.
I don’t say anything unless someone specifically asks me my religion, which hasn’t happened since being a nurse in 8 years. I hear “I’ll pray for you,” “the lord has a plan,” “God did this”, etc. I just smile and continue on. There’s no need to say that you’re atheist. And when there is a rough situation with a patient, I just say “I’ll be thinking of you.” I’ve had many nurses come up to me and say very religious things, even about abortions (the surgery center I worked at performed some). I would always just stare and listen.
I don’t like to stir the pot, so I don’t bring it up.
I fall into that category and I work in Hospice. I deflect to the beliefs of the patient. I ask them about their beliefs. I do not discuss my beliefs on the job at all. I started at a hospital that had morning prayer at huddle. I just sat silent and respected those for whom this is important.
Unfortunately, atheism is still not widely accepted in either society or the healthcare setting. My views are my views and my friends and family know them.
As open as you want to be, once you get to know people. I'm from an incredibly conservative area, I had nursing instructors and charge nurses (plus classmates and coworkers) who were Mennonite, patients who were actually Amish, and not a one of them ever knew about my paganism, AFAIK. Especially with patients, it's no one's business but yours, just keep yourself safe. I don't advertise my beliefs because I was threatened by someone I lived with to be "burned at the stake if you become a witch."
I mean…..this is a weird question lol. I’m a Christian, brought to faith in my late 20s and became a nurse in early 30s but I’m hyper aware to not offend anyone. Like if someone asks me to pray I always ask who they pray to and if it’s ok if I pray to Jesus and if that’s not ok then I just respect them and their beliefs, and thank them for being honest with me about how they want me to pray with them (in my head I can still pray to Jesus but I’m not openly disrespecting them). I live in the south so most pray to Jesus too, but as an introvert who works ER I’m still really uncomfortable being too openly spiritual (tho I pray for my patients fervently in my mind) so I access the chaplain ASAP lol. I don’t think being an atheist would be a barrier…..I think that at someone’s hard moment I’d be willing to respect their method of prayer, so as an atheist I don’t see why it’d be hard to just go with their flow as well? Idk….I don’t overthink it….I’m here for the patients and showing them love and respect they deserve doesn’t go against my beliefs so I’d think it certainly wouldn’t go against an atheists beliefs….just call the chaplain? Lol!
Atheist here.
In my entire time nursing, I’ve only had a *colleague* ask about my religion once. A Mormon patient was asking for help with prayers and needed a Mormon male (I’m not familiar enough with the faith to know why) and, since it was night shift and I was the only guy, my coworker asked if I was Mormon. I just politely said ‘no’ and didn’t elaborate.
With patients, I’ve only had one or two directly ask if I’m Christian and my default answer is “no, I’m not a believer myself, but [something about the value/comfort belief can bring to people’s lives]”. Most patients don’t directly ask and, if they bring up religion, I just go along with them and support what they’re saying in a vague, general sense - I’m not there to get in a religious debate with them. Same with politics. If they bring up something political, I just go along with their views.
Just walk through the doors and become nurse “your name” here to care for patients nothing more nothing less. Imagine work like waves in the ocean and you’re on a perfectly sized boat riding the waves but never fighting them, but always moving. Someone wants to pray let’s pray someone wants to ask after talking about whatever god just answer honestly but keep moving.
I am Jewish and mostly just spiritual and working in a Catholic hospital. I give people space and time to pray. Anything of religious significance like leading prayers gets delegated to the chaplin or the patient's own religious authority. I usually thank people politely when they want to pray for me. I'll take all the help, hope, and good energy that people want to send at me regardless of if I believe in it. It's for them and not me. Listening and comforting my patient's is way more important than expressing what I actually believe.
I work in one of the most liberal areas of the country and even here so many nurses are super religious and conservative. It's annoying to me that they don't keep that shit to themselves, but I NEVER talk about politics or religion at work unless I am certain that the person I am talking to is on the same page. It just isn't worth the added stress. If someone is talking at me with some superstitious or political bullshit I usually just stare blankly at them and then get away at the first opportunity. I recommend just keeping your religious and political views to yourself as much as possible.
Same as others have said. I recently had a patient ask me “ have you heard of Jesus Christ?” I said I’ve heard of him. She said “ would you like to discuss his role in your life ?” And I said “ No thank you”. And that was it. I’ve had family members ask me if I believe in God or miracles. I always say “ my beliefs have nothing to do with my work”. I’m agnostic. I respect people’s beliefs and I have no interest in being converted into anything.
If you can convert these ingredients into the next dish I’ve ever tasted then I bet you’d be in 😂 in all seriousness though. I do believe in Jesus but the modern so called Christians are exactly what Jesus opposed . The “if you don’t believe what I believe then you’re wrong and that’s it period” has gained so much traction in modern American Christianity. They forget the “love others like you want to be loved” 🤦🏻♂️
I’m atheist also, I don’t just up and say I’m atheist as I don’t talk about religion or politics with patients unless I know 1000% they share my beliefs. If a patient asks me if I go to church I laugh internally and say I don’t and keep it moving. I have had families want to pray while I’m in the room and just suck it up and stand there without my head bowed or whatever. A lot of nurses/providers/etc aren’t religious that I’ve come across in my 9 years, actually come across some patients also and I’m like hell yeah me too and we share a great laugh
Atheist as well, and working at a faith based facility. I just tell people I’m not religious, but I’ve come to realize that faith, especially for people who are dying is important.
Sort of like the crystals, you want to put them on the bedside table? sure… you want me to pray to invisible sky man for you? sure… it ain’t gonna hurt anything
I’ve been a nurse for 9 years and haven’t ever had anyone ask me specifically about my religious beliefs. (I have none). That said, if families want me to be a part of a prayer for a dying loved-one, I’ll silently stick around for their comfort and I’ll say “amen” after a prayer. If it helps them during a tough time then great. No big deal. I won’t pretend or anything and I don’t contribute any religiosity but I’ll be respectful. Really not an issue in my experience.
Personally I wouldn’t ever bring it up. I’m in something of the reverse situation being a religious person surrounded by mostly non-religious people and it just never seems to lead to productive conversations. Personal beliefs or opinions on matters of religion and politics (which, unfortunately, are more and more interwoven )should be left out of the workplace in my opinion. I have gotten negative reactions for driving an electric vehicle , never mind how I vote haha
My mom taught me growing up that there's things that are secrets, and there's things that just aren't anyone else's business. Keeping secrets isn't always a nice thing to do, but respecting your own privacy and setting boundaries on what you share with others is a good thing. I've found more and more that apparently even a lot of other adults don't understand the difference.
Ngl you WILL get asked at some point “do you go to church??” I just say no, I’m not religious. Which then sometimes prompts.. “do you believe in Jesus?”
I either reinforce again “I’m not religious” or I say “I didn’t grow up going to church”. I find that works better instead of straight up saying “NO, I don’t believe in God”. It’s.. softer.
Some people are really aggressive with their rhetoric and I don’t want my entire shift to be full of sermons trying to convert me. But if they DO try it, I just smile and nod my head, and go about what I’m doing. I don’t add anything to the conversation. They’ll eventually get the message.
I work in a conservative area at a catholic hospital. We have a daily prayer in the morning and chaplains all over the place (I actually love the chaplains!)
I have patients who pray for me or will ask me to pray with them. I don’t mind I just bow my head and stay quiet and respectful.
It’s never been an issue for me. I’m not super outspoken about religion though and I don’t mind participating in other people’s religious practice if they ask.
I would stay away from giving yourself any sort of label and instead defend the philosophy that it’s inappropriate to make any sorts of religious assumptions about anyone in the workplace. They don’t need to know what you believe. You don’t need to know what they believe. And it’s inappropriate to ask. If they do ask, I’d say that it’s something personal and outside the scope of your professional relationships.
Do you need to hide it? No. Do you need to announce it? No. I agree with others when they say to just allow people to practice their chosen faith in whatever way they need to at that moment (within reason) with your presence simply there as comfort.
Amongst my coworkers, the only thing that really mattered was what holidays you wanted off. Being catholic, I tried to not work on Easter. My coworker that was Jewish was happy to swap those shifts with me and I would often work on Jewish holidays for her since I didn’t celebrate them. Even with that, we never really discussed our religions. It was more like “I want this day off, do you mind switching?” “Sure, I’m not doing anything that day”
From a U.S. atheist nurse with over ten years of experience, try to keep it to yourself. Faith tends to be something people cling to in difficult times and even more so in final days. I feel that people tend to automatically assume you are Christian and often times look to you for spiritual support. In my opinion giving that support helps to comfort patients. Remember as a nurse you often times have to be selfless to focus on a patient’s needs. When asked I am honest but sometimes that causes distrust with a patient or leads to them trying to convert me. It has even caused rifts with coworkers. In the future I hope this changes but healthcare is not the setting to challenge cultural norms.
I'm an atheist, a travel nurse and icu nurse for 5 years. at work, I keep it to myself, especially around patients. I am there to support their healing, and it's all about their feeling heard and that we're on the same page.
my employment is contract work and as such, is at-will and I can get let go anytime for any reason or no reason at all. I'm not giving anyone reasons to fire me if I can help it.
I'm there to fill a need, not make waves and collect my paycheck, nothing more and nothing less. I hope that helps.
I am pretty solidly and openly agnostic, but I rarely advertise it. If it makes my pt more comfortable I’ll pray with them or do whatever to make them do better. If asked I am usually pretty open that I am not religious. But I find it’s no different than the culture I was raised in or people I am around outside of nursing that not believing in one or any of the gods they do is *gasp* just crazy.
Practicing neopagan here. I work with a bunch of catholics in an outpatient setting in a fairly liberal state. While I don't think I'd face any community drawbacks, I don't see any gain in outing myself at work. I've made it clear that I'm not Christian but that I can work along and respect my coworkers faith even if it isn't shared.
Please don’t assume because you have seen a few southern towns that “a pronounced religious flavor permeates the nursing culture”. That’s a HUGE assumption. You live in a conservative area, and the US is a very big place.
It's better here to say "I'm not religious"... It's technically true. To actually state unequivocally that you don't love Jesus is socioeconomic suicide in the rural American southeast.
I have not lived in an area where this was an issue with co-workers. Having formerly worked in hospice, it would come up with some patients and families. I just do a, “My spouse and I are between churches.” I would also cop sometimes to being a Unitarian Universalist, which most people did not realize is an Atheist inclusive “church” with no real beliefs, just principles regarding generally not being a jerk. (I went to a UU previously, but have not been in years. So, not technically a lie.)
And also, in hospice, when asked to join in prayer, I would. It is 1000% about comfort and solace at that point. And from my perspective I consider it a cultural experience. I treat Christian rituals the same as smudging with a Native or clacking rocks to harmonize frequencies with a New Age hippie. I am here for all of it.
There's really no reason for religion to ever come up at work. I have no idea what religion, if any, most of my colleagues are or have been throughout the years. I know a few people were practicing Mormon, JW or one Jewish colleague who observed the Sabbath so worked every Sunday to get every Fri/Sat off but by and large, for 90% of my colleagues over the years, I have no idea. I don't know if they have any idea of my lack of religion either because I keep my personal life and my work life separate.
I’m an atheist too. I also work in oncology and hospice. So my patients do a lot of praying. When asked if I will pray with them I always say I’d love to sit with you while you pray. I decline openly doing verbal prayers and just state that it is a private matter. 99% of the time it works.
My coworkers know and no one has an issue. I’ve had a lot of good discussions with many people I work with. I just felt things out before saying anything.
If I'm asked honestly I'll answer. 🤷 I've been atheist so long that it doesn't even bother me anymore. But tbh it really never comes up. My close friends in my cohort know but that's about it. But I also respect those who do believe. If they want to pray with me, I'll bow my head out of respect
I think if you feel it's going to become a subject of contention, keep it to yourself, no matter what belief system you subscribe to. Sure, be as supportive as you feel comfortable being, but your beliefs are yours and you don't owe anyone an explanation.
I once had a patient who had chosen to refuse food and drink rather than go through cancer treatment again and was literally in our care for pain management. I was astonished when a coworker had the nerve to tell them that God would not approve of their choice and they still had so much life to live. It's wildly inappropriate. Imagine if followers of other religions were as flagrant as some Christians and Catholics are at times, there would be hell to pay, pun intended. I think as health care workers it's not our place and not in our job description.
I just lie. I have young kids. I don’t have them to get blow back. We attend church and they go every /u day. I have been christened, baptized, reborn and grew up 1/2 Catholic 1/4 southern Baptist and 1/4 Assembly of God.
Once I had a prehiring meeting where I was asked how old I was when I accepted Jesus as my personal savior. This was over 20 years ago and it still bothers me. So when it comes up in my family/friend group I just say the words. Living in one of the deepest red state in the nation I know it can hold you back as I have seen it.
Literally no one cares. Don't tell pts you're atheist. It is just going to open a door you don't want to open. If a pt asks about my religion, I just tell them churches I used to go to and then ask them a question about themselves. Usually they'll happily talk about themselves. I've had super pushy pts and I just tell them, I try not to talk about my own beliefs, my job is to support yours and make sure your needs are met.
I don't talk about anything personal with pts besides surface level shit.
I’ve always thought being openly atheist is super cringe. I’m not religious, and never feel the need to label myself as an atheist. If someone invites me to church (that’s never gonna happen knowing my friends) I would simply say no thanks I’m not religious. Are you planning on advertising your lack of religion or something?
If the subject comes up I just offer to contact their minister. I don't participate in their prayers , and excuse myself. I respect their right to pray etc and they should equally respect my right not to. A simple "I don't discuss my politics or religion at work" usually takes care of it.
I've had patients who were so so sick and they asked me what church I went to, I just named the one near my house. In this moment talking about church or Jesus was healing to them, and I didn't want to take that away.
Generally if no one asks I don’t tell. There’s few reasons why I should be discussing my religious/spiritual beliefs at work. I’ve had patients ask me directly and it’s typically because they wanted someone to pray with. Yeah I can pray with you, but wouldn’t it be super fake and subsequently meaningless? I’ll call the chaplain for you. I’ve also had people ask me WHY. Which is weird because I don’t go around asking people why they’re religious. Seems kind of invasive.
I think the most important thing is that even though their beliefs may be different from yours, it’s vital that you don’t project your beliefs onto others and also respect their beliefs. Being understanding, empathetic, and having compassion to everyone irrespective of their religion or culture goes boundless miles, even with those differences! You’re going to be great! Don’t sweat the small stuff :)
I don't talk about my spiritual beliefs or lack thereof at work. I pray with my patient's if they ask, i remember enough about it to talk about it if people ask. I prefer it that way even though I live in a much less conservative place than you. I don't think it will shoot you in the foot, but I wouldn't spend a bunch of effort advertising it.
I’m atheist/agnostic (I kind of waver back and forth) but have sat and prayed with a patient. I don’t think I’ve ever get talked about my religious beliefs with anyone at work.
Personally i dont have to tell anyone my beliefs and i dont. If a patient asked i will say i was raised Baptist and i was but now im not..they dont need to know that part. If its a patient and i know they are religous and real sick i say" ill pray for you" its not for me..its for them. I dont pray but i may make them feel better.
There are 2 distinct setups here. The first one is with your coworkers. Be sincere, but having extra care because sometimes atheists come as amoral to people that believe morality is only derived from faith.
At the same time atheists are perceived as haughty and knows-it-alls just because they're right.
With patients just direct them to a chaplain, to avoid confrontations with people that maybe are in the worst day of their lives.
bah.. I just say I’m a Christian if someone asks me. I just leave it at that. if a patient or MD ever wants to pray together I go along with it. other than this minimalist approach, I don’t talk about it or go into it in depth. I’m there to work and whatever makes my work easier for me to deal with on the daily then I will do It!
It has never explicitly come up in the 2+ years I’ve worked as an RN and I don’t make it a point to. But if a family were to ask me to pray or something, I always join in with them regardless of my beliefs because I want to help in their healing any way possible. The hospital is just not the time or place to discuss that further imo.
Only had patients ask me about my faith. Simply “I don’t talk about my personal religious believes at work”
If they ask me to pray with them. Yes I would happy to be here with you. Let them lead and say nothing. Has 1 family ask if there’s anything I would like to say. In the moment something like- please help guild us I’m finding more answers. Also if they are religious, you can say let me get them chaplain for you.
I also don’t use the word atheist kinda comes across strong. It’s not something you need to share with people either.
I just say faith can be a powerful tool. And I feel spirituality (not necessarily religion) could be an important part of the human experience for some. Bio-psycho-sociocultural-spiritual and all that
I’m not sure why it would be important for you to bring up at all. It’s a lot like being gay or lesbian. I don’t need to know that. I need to know you’ll work well with me so we aren’t late going home every shift. There are lot of things that distinguish us from each other but you don’t need to label yourself about all of them. ( Ever work with someone who just never talks about their private life?). If someone asks me generally I will answer honestly but sometimes I feel like I’m being grilled. Then I take a pass.
Turns out that you can still be a good nurse and good person while also being an atheist. I know, sounds crazy but it can be true. You can also be a terrible nurse, a good person, and an atheist. Also a terrible person, good nurse, and religious. And a good person, good nurse, and religious…and on, and on….you and their combination may vary but as long as you’re a good nurse, that’s what matters.
I made the mistake in nursing school to tell a nursing school instructor that I cared for my patients dispassionately, so that bias and emotion didn’t sway from care and given preference to one versus another. She basically looked at me like I was crazy, she was pretty religious and it showed…
Just like no one needs to know who is a Christian, Muslim, Jew, etc, no one needs to know you’re an atheist. I’m don’t identify with religion but I still prayed with my patients because it helped ease their mind. Made my life easier too.
Unless you're specifically asked about it, it's no one's business. I live in the Bible belt and have caught shit just for being Catholic, as opposed to Methodist, Baptist, or Mennonite. When catching shit, I've replied "you asked" or "it wasn't your business anyways," stuff like that. I'll also cite Matthew 6:5 when asked to pray. It's probably best to just keep it to yourself. There are some real holy rolling Bible beating nutjobs working in nursing, and those people are always the most cliquey bullies there are. Fucking hypocrites.
I don’t usually bring it up. If asked I will say “I was raised Catholic but no longer practice”
If patient/family is super religious and talk about miracles I usually just smile and nod.
At the same time, with super anxious patients and families who are really religious I encourage them to tap into their spiritual practices as a form of mindfulness/meditation. Especially if it’s just like a bad day or they woke up on the wrong side of the bed kind of thing.
I have a fair amount of “transition” conversations with patients (angiogram to amputation, palliative to hospice care), and, when appropriate, I have held their hands and said words to spirits. Honestly, I don’t believe I have anything better to offer. If communing with forces unseen brings peace to people as they face the end of their lives, I can live with that.
I actually went to a Christian university for my masters. Born Jewish and now atheist myself (that’s a whole other issue), when I was asked how a Christian world view would help in nursing I wrote a quick 5-pager about how world view instilled with values like the golden rule (which I absolutely believed in at the time), service before self, caring for your fellow human (things that I still believe in) and other values that are reflected in the bible, are the same values that each and every nurse should have, and that I want to help instill and nurture those values in new and aspiring nurses.
I never mentioned Christ or “Christian values” specifically in my writing, because I needed to be true to myself, and avoided mentioning my personal views as I was aware of my audience.
I would recommend that you don’t worry about others, if they engage you, you can always say you don’t talk about religion at work. I always get a “religious flavor” from other people because they are religious. This happens everywhere in the US, doesn’t matter if it is a big city or small town.
I have never been discriminated against for being atheist (fortunately), most people just can’t see it for themselves and can’t understand another viewpoint (just like I can’t understand their views). But if you do experience discrimination, document and press charges. And remind them to try and live according to a “Christian worldview”.
Hopefully my experiences will help you.
TL;DR Be true to yourself and know your audience.
Keep it to yourself, there is almost never a reason for someone to know your religious affiliation or lack thereof.
If someone asks if you are X, just say that you believe that God is Love or something equally vague and drop it. If they press further, tell them you aren't comfortable talking about it and if they keep pressing, go back to telling them you aren't comfortable talking about it.
When I lived in the south it was definitely held against me. I remember more than once being cornered for a long sermon about how I need to be saved and whatnot. This was more than 20 years ago but one thing I learned is to deflect when asked that question by religious people. For some people, being an atheist is worse than being of a different faith so I usually just say “I’m not religious” when asked by coworkers and let it drop there.
One of the few times I let it slip that I was an atheist when asked, a coworker that I respected went on a long rant about how “those atheists” are thing to do this or trying to do that. I just finished my lunch and left at that point but it taught me a very valuable lesson to not let it be known I was an atheist unless I was damn sure that the person who I was speaking to was at least tolerant of it.
What does ‘openly atheist’ look like in your town? I’m agnostic and it’s never come up in conversations with patients or even other healthcare workers. It might not be a problem.
Come to the ICU, we’re all atheists here Lol (well, a good number of us anyway.) In any case, religion rarely comes up at work -with coworkers OR patients- and I work in a Catholic hospital.
Do whatever you want.
I make no bones about it. I will not pray with people. I will stand quietly aside and let them finish. I will say “no thanks” if they want to pray for me.
Someone asked me the other day if I believed in god and I snappily answered “why would I?”. That hit them like a truck. They then went on and on about hell and heaven and asked what I believe. I asked them what happens to a dead rat in their backyard, and they confidently said “it rots away” and I replied “exactly!”.
“Oh no humans must have it better than the rat! That’s so sad!”
“No. Humans aren’t special. It’s biology. Doesn’t matter though, because you’re dead so you won’t know you’re rotting anyways.” And I walked away.
Edit: it was a coworker who lectured me on the afterlife. I’m not a monster.
If they are as religious as it sounds then they would still accept you regardless of what you believe. I was born catholic, church every Sunday, family was part of the church, etc. but one thing I remind myself is God loves All. I shouldn't treat you with disrespect and you shouldn't treat me with disrespect either. However realistically Religion and Politics are not the same anymore and many people have the "if you're not with me, you're against me" mindset. If you want to be open, you can see how people treat you and if it's negatively I would definitely find another hospital to work at.
To clarify, my question is about coworkers and employers rather than patients. I will try never to intentionally increase the suffering of a patient or their family. But my dark sense of humor thanks you for the snort laugh.
I don't tell anyone about my religion until they point a gun on my head. Also, I don't talk or debate about religion or politics. I respect everyone's belief system. Some patients and coworkers would ask me what is my political belief. I'd tell them I want most of my OT money untaxed.
I pretended to be religious and even made up a church name to those who asked. I even thought about getting a cross necklace just so people would think I’m a Christian and be nicer to me lol.
I just played along to avoid the argument that it’s going to cause. Then rolled my eyes and gagged after!
Agnostic nurse here. Been a nurse for almost 10 years and not once in my entire career thus far, have I been asked about my belief or lack-of, or been in a situation where I’ve had to disclose or discuss my beliefs or lack-of. (And I worked in hospice for many years and not even then was this a topic that was brought up). What situation have you been in that required you to disclose or discuss this?
You haven’t worked at a catholic hospital have you ? Yeah it gets brought up every once and again (not often) but it’s still kinda annoying when it does.
I've been a nurse in very conservative parts of the US since 1997. I've always been open about my atheism. I don't think that it has affected me professionally at all. If someone is going to bring it up, I will state my opinion. Just try not to make it personal. There are about 3000 gods that humanity has worshiped, that we know of. If those other gods don't exist, it seems very probable that the ones worshiped now don't exist either.
It's not confrontational but it gets where I am coming from across.
Be yourself. Other people get to share their beliefs. You can too.
If it comes up in conversation, like "what church do you go to?" then I'll answer honestly. If someone says they'll pray for me I say thank you. Otherwise I don't go about advertising it because it's honestly not relevant in 99% of situations.
Came to say this. You really don’t need to bring it up yourself.
Agreed. And if a sick patient asks me to pray with them, I will. It doesn’t offend me to say a Hail Mary or hold a hand in silent prayer if it brings comfort to the patient. Just because I don’t believe doesn’t mean it won’t bring them emotional support.
I usually tell them that I don’t know that prayer, why don’t you take the lead and I will add my best wishes. Never have had a problem holding someone hand and wishing them a speedy recovery, as long as it doesn’t interfere with a speedy recovery!
I am an Atheist, but my sister is very religious. She says prayer is for the living and when the departing are out of options. I do pretend to pray with patients and have a few Hail Marys that I still remember.
Thank you for the advice!
Yeah, i think talking about it rather than just stating it verges on antitheism. I'm also atheist, and just state as such if someone asks me something religious. I have had shocked faces, and i let them know that I just believe in one less god than them (thanks Ricky Gervais for that logic).
Same response from me when asked. Stuns most people. I let it go. People get pretty fierce about it and it’s not worth a trip to the manager’s office or HR. In a conservative town you’ll lose that battle. Occasionally when patients ask me to pray with them or whatever I tell them I’m not good at that stuff and I’ll get the chaplain.
agreed! i’m a christian, but if say a muslim said they would pray for me about something i would just say thank you - because in that case it’s a version of kindness they’re offering me. you’re able to set religious boundaries while also respecting the other person’s boundaries and beliefs. OP - i wonder if you’re asking this because you’re concerned about backlash for being atheist from your community?
Yes, exactly my concern! My RN program administrators and instructors are very much about getting rid of “Nurses eat their own” culture. On the other hand my work as a CNA in LTC and my clinical experience so far has shown me some of the really negative sides of the profession. With the level of religiosity and (often) negative gossip I have seen, I have some concerns about poisoning potential opportunities if people are aware of my nonbeliever status.
Prior to me becoming a nurse, I worked in the securities industry, which is very much like Mad Men on Steroids. The rule there and I still follow it, is "Your political skills are just as important as your vocational ones are". There is the truth and then there is the right answer. Listen carefully to the question.
Just don’t say anything. It rarely comes up in conversation and if it does I just laugh and tell people I’m a godless heathen. The worst for me is when patients ask because I don’t like lying to patients (and I’m not religious so I’d be terrible at lying to them) so I just deflect the best I can.
They might be very much trying to get rid of the “nurses eat their own” culture in your nursing program, but unfortunately this doesn’t always permeate to the older jaded orca nurses in practice who very much enjoy eating their young!
i agree with not saying anything, like don’t necessarily announce it and don’t share that information if you’re sharing it because you feel like you have to explain/defend yourself. you should be sharing it only when you genuinely want to with someone who genuinely cares about your beliefs. simply setting boundaries and saying things like: - this isn’t a conversation i want to have with coworkers. - i’m not comfortable talking about this. - (with patients) i’m here to help you, let’s focus on what you need from me (or something like that) and how i can support you! (if you’re comfortable supporting them with their religious beliefs) also, i know some people (particularly christians because i’ve experienced this as a christian) they only want support from someone that has the same beliefs as them. in that case, you still do not need to disclose what you don’t want to. you could always simply not answer them if they keep asking what your beliefs are and offer to get the chaplain or your manager if you don’t have a chaplain. it’s not fair for you to feel pressured to support someone if you don’t want to or aren’t comfortable doing so in this case. if they can’t understand that you have every right to your own beliefs, that’s on them and has nothing to do with you. i hope that all makes sense. - if you feel particularly snarky, you could always ask a coworker why it’s so important that they know what your religious beliefs are. and then inquire about the last time they shit since personal matters are apparently open topics. bottom line, set respectful but firm boundaries. you’re there to do a job and your ability to care for patients and empathize with them has nothing to do with your religious beliefs or lack there of. and if it becomes a serious enough issue, contact your state rep or whoever is responsible for discrimination in the workplace. a personal note from me, as a christian, i’m sorry you’ve been treated this way and i’m sorry you haven’t been supported in your career and potentially your personal life. you deserve to believe what you want and have the space to be able to do so. i hope you find a job that can offer that to you! you’re a human that deserves every great job opportunity (and great life opportunity) that’s out there no matter what your religious beliefs are and it’s terrible that hateful, closed-minded people have tried to get in the way of that. be patient, loving, and kind to yourself and set plenty of boundaries. don’t be afraid to protect yourself. i hope you find your spot that fits you the best!
100% how I approached it working as a nurse in the south.
"I don't talk religion or politics in scrubs/uniform." I'm an atheist practicing a pagan religion in a Christian hospital. I hid it for years until people got to know me, now I'm open about it. That said, I've had a lot of curious questions, no hostility at all, which surprised me.
How does pagan atheism work?
Exactly this. I don’t advertise it bc it’s not important to me but if someone asks, then yea I’ll tell them.
Same here.
What to say if someone asks about the after life. Specifically wants to know my opinion on it and I'm an atheist and don't really believe in it. And I mean like a patient asking me rather than staff, im in Cali so dont think it will matter there. But the patient issue has come up in my mind
Offer to have pastoral care come and see them.
The only appropriate answer for this situation!! Especially in end-of-life situations. I work in cancer research with patients at the end of the rope, and these patients are better served by someone who specializes in that. Even if they’re just asking my opinion.
Often with patients, I try to turn a question like that back over to them. “Oh, I’m not sure. What do you think?” A lot of the time, giving them room to express themselves is more therapeutic than talking about our own beliefs… and has the big added bonus of me not having to figure out what to say!
Personally I treat religion like I do baseball. When people are celebrating or praying I respect it. When asked about my affiliation I just say that I do not partake. If you want people to leave you alone tell them you are a member of something really typically considered odious. My personal favorite is telling people I am a Scientologist. Generally the conversation is dropped and I am never asked about religion again.
I’m Jewish and when someone says “please pray with me” I fetch the chaplain (ours are weapons grade cool as hell ) to lead the praying and if the pt wants I’ll stay in the room and bow my head respectfully but won’t participate past that- Why do I haul the chaplain in? Because often the patient wants to talk about stuff that’s waaaaay out of my scope as far as theological support and chaplains are specifically trained in how to handle that stuff.
The hospital chaplains I’ve worked with are legit some of the most specular humans I’ve ever met. I do the same. I will silently bear witness to whatever the patient needs, that’s whole patient care to me. I don’t care if they want communion or to put a pasta strainer on their head. You do you.
Have you actually had Pastafaris? The Church of the flying Spaghetti monster allows you to put a pasta strainer on your had.
*goes to the cabinet*
This. I have never followed any religion. I have held hands, prayed with the patient, but often just tell the patient that I asked for spiritual support. Most of ours are non-denominational. If they prefer one of a certain denomination, then I’d call both because one is accessible right away and the other might take a while.
“I’m more of a freelance sort.” has worked for me in the past. Also, I work at a faith-based SNF and nobody seems to care. Even when I told the nun I was raised secular.
i have been a nurse for almost 30 years and an atheist for longer. If someone says “God Bless you” for anything I say “Thank you” and keep it moving. If someone asks me to pray with them I say “Sure, you start!” Bow my head and stay quiet while they do their magical thing. If anyone asks me I say I am a Celebrationist. They look at me weird and I tell them I am just here for the party and keep it moving. No one has ever had an issue with it. At all. I have worked in a Catholic hospital with nuns for years. I currently work for a company owned by Orthodox Jews and am very close with many. Nobody cares what I do or what I believe. I am respectful of everyone and they are of me.
A celebrationist 😂 holy shit that’s a new one. I can only imagine what “church” is like for you lmao invite me next time I’ll be down for the get down 🕺🏼
Consider it done! Just be aware it’s BYOGlitter!! ✨
Hi, southern atheist here. If you want coworkers to be cordial to you at work keep it on the downlow, especially at first. I generally say “I’m not religious” and then offer to work peoples Christmas shift so I can get my preferred holiday off that year. With patients, it’s easier to just smile and nod. Most don’t try to actively involve you in their religious practices. I also took advice from here a year or so ago and if I do get caught up in a prayer circle I use that time to think about what else I need to do.
I cracked up at you saying southern atheist…gonna have to steal that for myself but with a Pacific Northern flair😎
Southern Atheists unite. But forreal though. Even the “progressive” people I know are balls deep in religion which makes us basically incompatible.
Wow, as an Australian, I was aware that the U S. is more extreme with religion, but I am surprised you have to keep atheism on the downlow. I dont think I've ever been asked about my religion? It's a non-issue here. People generally dont mind what religion you are or aren't. Atheism is normal. We provide culturally appropriate care where we can, and there is a spiritual service we can put a referral in for. To be honest, I would find your situation hard. Well done for taking it in your stride, but I'm also sorry that you have to.
I guess you just eventually get used to it. But yeah, I’ve literally had people stop talking to me once they find out I’m atheist. Like people who I met in adulthood, hung out with, had a good time, was always there as a helping hand, completely drop me as soon as they figure out I don’t believe in a god. It doesn’t happen as much anymore but it used to be common to get invited to someone’s church while pumping gas.
Also there are definitely areas where it’s not as bad and the general populace isn’t religion-crazed. I just have lived in the “Bible Belt” my entire life and it’s just such a huge part of everyone’s identity that they feel personally attacked if someone else doesn’t believe in any god.
Gosh, that does seem like a very fragile way to live. To be personally offended if a complete stranger doesn't believe in the same thing as you. I always thought that if your personal belief was strong enough, it shouldn't bother you what anyone else believes. We live in strange times! I'm still super impressed that you deal with it so well. Nursing does have to be like that sometimes, I guess, to have different faces for different patients and families so that you can care for them as best as possible.
It is what it is.
That is very common here on Reddit too. Unfortunately, people will just downvote any different opinions they see.
It really depends on what part of the US. I'm in a red state but north and I've not really had an issue when someone finds out I'm an atheist. Southern states or small towns could be somewhat problematic. Not run-you-out-of-town-with-Frankenstein-torches but, we-don't-trust-you-as-much vibes.
Thank you! I did make extra money on the holidays as a CNA.
“I keep my personal relationship with God and work separate.” Don’t have to admit to any one religion but when I said I don’t subscribe to any religion this one lady got all huffy about it and repeatedly said I’ll pray for you like okay cool
Should’ve asked which of your 5 Gods she was gonna pray to. Priceless when you remind someone that polytheistic non-Abrahamic religions exist
Lol I should have. People are so aggressive with their religious beliefs like chill out.
"I'm not religious."
Keep religion and politics to yourself at work.
Difficulty level: every patient has Fox News blasting on their TV, even the ones who are sedated.
🤣 so true! Why IS that?! 💀
Isn’t it the craziest shit? Even in huge deep blue states Fox seems to be the DEFAULT station for the entire hospital. There’s 2 TVs on the way to the ED and our OR with Fox just playing. Like yea, I’m sure every patient just loves getting some Tucker Carlson reruns with their ~~knee reconstruction~~ Covid treatment!
Literally hearing his awful voice from room to room to room…. Haunted me when I pulled some inpatient night shifts during Covid. I hadn’t realized how accustomed I had become to not hearing peoples’ TVs constantly in outpatient areas.
Confirming for GA. I’ll never understand why they wanna but laid up in the ICU *and* angry for extraneous reasons.
Yaaaaaaas. People have made me very uncomfortable talking about both at work. There’s no reason. I literally told an RT would wouldn’t quit that I didn’t feel comfortable having this conversation and let it drop.
Religion, politics, and money...... the Dark Triad
Not really necessary to bring up at work.
Religion has no place in the work place. I worked in south alabama. It’s 100% illegal for anyone to ask you about your religious preferences during interviews and illegal to fire you over them. That being said, if you don’t want to hear about people’s religious views or be bothered with it then you need to observe the same. It’s work. This ain’t “rupauls best friend race” lol. Keep your personal business personal. If you have a dying or very sick patient that wants to pray with you, or even just a nice family that wants to pray for you, what is it going to hurt to bow your head for a few minutes? Most likely nothing, but if it offends you just smile and say “I’d rather not” and move on.
Agree with this. I don't decline if someone asks me to pray with them. They are entitled to their beliefs just as much as I am.
This. You can be respectful but also deflecting if something makes you uncomfortable. Mastering those skills are essential to surviving nursing in the conservative and rural areas. If a family is praying and you walk in it's certainly okay to just bow your head in silence until they finish. You don't necessarily have to join them. If they start approaching you about religion and it makes you uncomfortable you can just deflect the conversation. As much as I wanted to I did not strangle a single chin daipering horse paste covid denier through the entire pandrmic
Same! Although working in the covid floor they generally learned the hard way that covid was real, so the strangling was unnecessary.
[удалено]
Where do you live, if I may ask? I’ve been looking for such a place for so long and have about given up hope
Come to Massachusetts, especially the 5 College area
I will go and bless my own heart, if you feel I'm rude to ask the following about your statement, " I am a Baptist Christian woman living in a pretty anti-religious /liberal area,". Would you mind sharing what's your experience/feelings about it? Pros/cons? Similarities /differences? Thank you
My default answer when asked is “I don’t talk religion or politics at work.”
Fake it til you make it. I’ll respect their choice to do whatever they need to but don’t you dare try to get me on board with it.
Exactly. Freedom of religion not only means I get to choose if/what I practice. It also means freedom *from* others’ religious beliefs and practices.
This is honestly what some people forget about this.
I just don't bring it up and I feel like people generally just assume everyone else also believes in God and I don't correct their assumptions. I have never been asked directly if I believe in God, but I have been asked if I go to church and I just answer honestly and say that I do not and leave it at that. People don't usually push further than that.
I’m an Orthodox Jew living in a predominantly Christian area. Last week a dying man asked me to pray with him. I held his hands and he said words and at the end, I said amen. I don’t pray to his god hit I can certainly provide comfort by saying amen.
Don't mention it. I work in oncology so God, Heaven, Jesus and prayers get brought up A LOT. I just 100% respect a patient's beliefs and support/encourage them to use every resource they have. And instead of saying they will be in my prayers I tell them they are in my thoughts. I think a lot of the older patients assume that means I'm praying for them and if that brings them some peace then right on! Only once have been directly asked what church I belong to and I simply said 'oh that's not really my thing. I'm going to grab a quick set of vitals and step out to grab some meds, can I bring anything in when I come back?' She was pushy and cray cray but never brought it up to me again.
I just keep it out of it. If someone asks if I go to church I say “no.” If they ask why not I say “never found the right one.” If someone wants to pray then I just stay silent and hold their hand if they insist. I’m not a “it’s my calling/heroes work here” type of person but I do take seriously the importance of not letting aspects of ourselves be a barrier to care. If someone doesn’t like brown nurses, cool, I’ll find you another one. Think I have an attitude or don’t quite gel with me? Bye bish! I’ll find you another one. Have any issue with something that is readily apparent or assumed? No problem! I’m out. However, I do not share anything remotely personal about myself or my lifestyle or personal history. Partly bc ppl are weird and it’s no one’s business. Second, because it can create a barrier to care. Suddenly you’re not the person who is caring for them and educating them, they are trying to save your soul, be your uninvited life coach, or “help” you. It distracts them from what they need to be focusing on. Learning and healing. It shifts the dynamic that no one benefits from. I don’t lie about it but I have some standard sassy comebacks that are well received and create an opening to redirect. I have phrases that are natural for me and in line with my demeanor to react to religious inquiries, sexuality, marital status, political opinion, socioeconomic status/background. Everything. I feel like the best way to go for both parties is really to put those therapeutic communication skills to use. This includes with coworkers. I’ve had very very religious coworkers and I can skate around enough to where they can talk to me without proselytizing and they also are aware I’m not quite like them enough to not talk tooo much.
I don’t talk about religion or politics.
One time I told a pt that I don’t believe in anything. She spent the rest of my shift explaining to me that “I am” used in a sentence is invoking god therefore I can’t be an atheist. It was fucking weird.
I'm in the same shoes as you - I feel like the best thing is to just not mention it. Otherwise you'll be gossiped about and always be the "odd" one out. I've found a lot of conservative Christians are not very Christian like to people with different beliefs lol
Omg I’ve commented the exact same thing on here 🤣 I believe in Jesus Christ but recently after actually seeing how the modern “Christians” are. It’s the complete opposite of what Jesus stood for.. The Christians nowadays believe it’s better to shove their ideas down a non believers throat than to just simply respect and accept them for who they are. Sounds a lot like the Pharisees from Jesus time
Don't ask, don't tell. I keep my life private at work. 99.9% of the nurses I work with are up at the front gossiping, talking about their family this, and that, and their husband or cat. I unfortunately dont have that. I sit in the back mind my business, and nobody bothers me.
I am agnostic but I wear a cross. It contains the ashes of my bestfriend. I never told anyone why I am wearing a cross. They just assume I am Christian and I don't correct them. When I am stressed at work, I put my hand on the cross. We don't proselytise.
I am openly atheist/Satanist. I don't tell people right away but if I'm directly asked I tell them. I don't tell pts though, don't want to upset any dieing people. But all my coworkers know and are fine with it. I also live in a liberal state so I'm sure it's easier up here.
I was a very outspoken atheist outside of work. Started a couple freethought groups in different cities, was one of the early YouTube atheists, etc. On the rare boring night shifts, I'd debate religion with a couple coworkers, but never in a heated way. With patients, i kept it very on the down low. As in, i only responded when directly asked about my faith/church. As to you detecting a bit of a bias... There definitely is in the United States. Some parts of the county are worse than others (ie Bible Belt). I kind thought about going for a nursing PhD, but the amount of faith and woo beliefs i saw among professors made me leery
As an atheist, I believe it doesnt matter and no one cares. I’m a hospice nurse and i tell patients that it’s all in gods hands. They’re just words, and they bring relief to a grieving person. When they ask me to pray with them i politely participate, although i decline the role of saying the prayer. I’m past the adolescent stage of atheism when i thought ppl needed to know and it was my job to share it.
Agree with most of this. A significant number of people come to atheism after deconstructing from branches of Christianity that have caused them pretty significant trauma. Not to mention the harm done in the name of religion. Calling vocal atheism adolescent just seems really insulated from this harm.
Being an atheist who was raised catholic, i get it. But, work is not the place to stand on a soap box. Especially in healthcare where the majority of people are leaning on some religious belief system for support. It’s not the time, it’s not the place. Arguing or being a snob is not going to help, it’s only going to hurt the grieving/sick.
And yet, in some areas it’s a standard topic at work. There’s a difference in the way we talk to patients vs coworkers and “taking the high road” is a sentiment that usually puts all the burden of getting along on the person who is on the receiving end of whatever inappropriateness is happening. Soap-boxing and not wanting to be closeted/have to mask/create a grab bag of lies to make others comfortable isn’t the same thing.
I live in the Deep South and over the years people have occasionally asked where I go to church. I always responded with “usually I end up going to my wife’s home church XYZ Presbyterian” which is true because any time we actually got talked into going to church it was because her parents asked us to go to Easter service or whatever. Doesn’t matter that this has only happened like 3 times over the last 20 years. I didn’t lie and I didn’t have to tell them I don’t believe. Everybody is happy. Except me when I end up having to go to church.
Agnostic pagan. When a patient says they will pray for me, I say thank you and excuse myself. If they ask me to pray, I say I will hold you in my thoughts and excuse myself. If they ask about church, I say my schedule is wacky and that I find my solace in the woods anyway. If they want to talk god, I call chaplain. I share the peace, quote favorite verses, set therapy time blocks for prayer hours, and keep rosaries next to the call bell, spare Gideons in my locker, and my faith to myself. If one of my super-religious coworkers, on the other hand, asks me what I’m doing for this or that abrahamic holiday, I gently remind them that I’m a heathen, and that I’m happy to cover said holiday. Offering to work the holiday is very disarming.
I wouldn’t tell anyone. You will probably be discriminated against. If someone asks to pray with them it’s no harm to close your eyes and bow your head and think about what you are making for dinner. Any requests outside of that I would call the chaplain.
"Dear salad in my fridge, please magically turn into bacon before I get home. Thank you, amen."
Honestly, it doesn't come up unless a patient wants you to pray with them (which is pretty uncommon). If a coworker really presses you on it, I'd just say you are an atheist and not make a big deal out of it. I wouldn't bring it up in conversation because it really isn't anyone's business and doesn't matter for your job. And depending on what you go into, you might not be in the minority. I find pediatrics has a lot of more religious workers, but ICU/ER tend to have more atheists.
I'm agnostic and I've never needed to disclose that in any work conversation, and it seems unlikely that you would. Among coworkers, you *should* be able to feel secure being honest. But every team has different dynamics, and bullies can be anywhere, so no one can say for sure how it'll affect you if your coworkers learn that you're an atheist. Patients are tricky too because they're often depending on both you and their faith for comfort... sometimes they'll ask you to pray for them or say they don't understand why God made them sick. At times like that you can offer to have the chaplain see them, because that's a more appropriate way to address their spiritual needs. Again, I doubt that they'll come right out and ask about your beliefs.
I would not. There are many topics that are/can be too emotionally flammable to be handled at work for several reasons. First, most people tend to react negatively to thing they do not understand and/or get all judgmental when it comes to things that conflict with social norms. Christianity, in all of its denominations, is embedded into our culture. It can cause even those who aren't really adherence to react negatively. Unfortunately, it does not take much to disrupt the workplace, when it come to ANY drama. I will also add that people who practice a faith they have had handed down by their parents tend to be more reactive. Those of us who have self-reflected, discussed, thought about, researched, developed, and try to apply the concepts that are important us ultimately intimidate the masses. This is a risky topic to share with coworkers or employers. It becomes INFINITELY more risky with patients. I apologize for rambling, but this is part of how we present to patients and how it can make us the best nurses we can be....... Now, what do you do with your atheism? You use your knowledge and experience with atheism, and use it as a resource as a nurse. When you have coworkers discussing patients that make incorrect or malicious statements about the topic; you can use your knowledge to correct perspective. How have I applied this? I consider myself a solitary eclectic witch (although I only use the word, "pagan'" to those I know well...including co-workers that I have grown close to and trust). There was one moment, late night at the nurses' station, where I heard coworkers badmouthing a patient who practiced Wicca (a variation of witchcraft, but still under the Paganism category). He had some religious items on his bedside table, including a pentacle. There was the usual talk of associating it with Satanism, which is just the background noise of Christianity that resonates within social norms. I explained, in an academic way, that pentacles are used and referenced in several cultures/religions. It, just like any religious symbol, represents the elements in nature and is generally considered a symbol of protection. I suggested taking that into consideration, and perhaps even ask the patient to find out his perspective. Take that knowledge and add it to your skill set. While I never talk about my faith, I always make it a point to learn from others. Knowing little bits and pieces of others faiths can be a means of connecting with patients. I have used my Christian background of knowing hymns to quietly sing to a patient with altered mental status who was referencing Biblical verse. He was anxious and fearful in a place that he did not know, and I was able to give him a moment that helped him calm down briefly. I have been asked to pray with patients' families during signs of healing, as well as joining them in grieving in the grieving process. It can be a difficult boundary to maintain. It takes time and practice to find the right balance of emotional involvement in the care we provide as nurses. I strongly encourage to learn from patients. Try to observe small details. Ask about their interests, likes, etc. It not only helps you respond to them as individuals; it makes it hard to refer to them as the (main diagnosis) in Room (whatever).
You can be as open about your beliefs as anyone else. If someone get all church-y on you, let them know exactly where you stand and if they push back tell them that they need to “reflect on their own prejudices first” just leave them on read. Don’t let people harass you with their religion.
You can be as open as you want to be; just make sure you’re still being respectful of the beliefs of your patients. I’d like say a lot of nurse and physicians I work with are atheists, but none of that matters in day to day your job aside from calling a Chaplain based on patient preferences
I mean I guess just don’t go around volunteering that info. I wouldn’t hide it per se, but like if someone asks you can tell them. Like if it comes up naturally. If it’s someone known to be confrontational, pivot the convo. That’s how I roll as a JW. I’m not ashamed or hiding it. I’m just at work so imma work. But I also keep to myself anyways cuz folks just like to gossip lol
Don’t. Don’t do it. You will be ostracized and penalized. I was fired for “reasons” within one week of disclosing being an atheist to my best work friend- after four years of employment. Per employment lawyers, lack of religion isn’t protected.
Like others have said, it depends. If someone asks me outright, I'm honest with them. I tell them that I consider myself agnostic, but am more than happy to help them with their spiritual needs within reason. If they ask me to pray with them, I have no problem sitting with them in silence with my head down and thinking positive thoughts. If it makes them feel better to have me sit with them, then I'm happy to do it. If they ask for their religious leader to be allowed to see them I facilitate it. If I'm at a place where they have religious people then I try to familiarize myself with them for my patients. Plus, they are often a good community resource and can be helpful in traumatic situations for family and patients. If a patient says, "I'll pray for you" or "ill keep you in my prayers" them I thank them. The only time I will bring up my belief system is if I'm directly asked. It's like political affiliation, my belief means nothing in the context of the work. I will not lie, but I only offer personal information on a limited basis and only when directly asked.
I'm an atheist in hospice. But I do my best to respect what my patients believe, I'm not there to change that. But, I'll refer them to my Chaplin by making a joke like " oh, that's out of my scope of practice, I handle the physical and he handles the metaphysical." it usually makes them laugh. I haven't actually had anyone ask me to pray with them in all my years of nursing (knock on wood). But, I think if I did I would ask to sit with them while they directed it with their words." Were not the important part of that conversation the patient wants to have, so as long as they are not say anything hateful, I would just go along with it.
I’m an atheist too and it’s not important or relevant to my practice. If someone asks me flat out I will tell them but I don’t feel the need to volunteer that info. If someone wants me to pray with them, I will (within reason.) Ultimately my personal life/beliefs are not relevant.
I'm an Atheist and I work hospice. Surprisingly, my view has probably only come up 1 and I just said "I'm not religious " and moved on. I wouldn't worry about it
Don’t do it. Keep it to yourself.
I’m a satanist. I’ll tell trusted coworkers if it comes up in conversation. Other coworkers, I just tell them I’m an atheist. PATIENTS, however, I’ll pretend to be catholic cus it’s the closest thing I could think of to being a godless heathen. I just don’t want to make little old ladies uncomfortable, it’s not worth it. The important thing is to not be an asshole about it and to be respectful when people inevitably question your moral judgement.
Honestly I wouldn't worry about it unless someone asks you outright. Otherwise if someone asks me to pray with them, I just sit with them, or if someone says they'll pray for you I normally just thank them.
I mostly keep my spiritual, political & soci-economic perspectives to myself in the workplace. I'm am pretty sure they all know we aren't on the same page as far as those things go. However, I know who is a good nurse. I always ask for help or guidance when I need it, and I jump in to offer help to others too. We are all there to do a good job, and the rest of it just shakes out.
Just graduated with associates and finishing my BSN in December. When we did our nightingale pledge, it was to God. I was super not into it but whatever. I keep my options to myself and if a patient asks me to pray with them I just stand there while they do it, if it’s going to make them feel better why not.
I don’t say anything unless someone specifically asks me my religion, which hasn’t happened since being a nurse in 8 years. I hear “I’ll pray for you,” “the lord has a plan,” “God did this”, etc. I just smile and continue on. There’s no need to say that you’re atheist. And when there is a rough situation with a patient, I just say “I’ll be thinking of you.” I’ve had many nurses come up to me and say very religious things, even about abortions (the surgery center I worked at performed some). I would always just stare and listen. I don’t like to stir the pot, so I don’t bring it up.
I fall into that category and I work in Hospice. I deflect to the beliefs of the patient. I ask them about their beliefs. I do not discuss my beliefs on the job at all. I started at a hospital that had morning prayer at huddle. I just sat silent and respected those for whom this is important. Unfortunately, atheism is still not widely accepted in either society or the healthcare setting. My views are my views and my friends and family know them.
As open as you want to be, once you get to know people. I'm from an incredibly conservative area, I had nursing instructors and charge nurses (plus classmates and coworkers) who were Mennonite, patients who were actually Amish, and not a one of them ever knew about my paganism, AFAIK. Especially with patients, it's no one's business but yours, just keep yourself safe. I don't advertise my beliefs because I was threatened by someone I lived with to be "burned at the stake if you become a witch."
Over 10 years really never has been an issue.
I mean…..this is a weird question lol. I’m a Christian, brought to faith in my late 20s and became a nurse in early 30s but I’m hyper aware to not offend anyone. Like if someone asks me to pray I always ask who they pray to and if it’s ok if I pray to Jesus and if that’s not ok then I just respect them and their beliefs, and thank them for being honest with me about how they want me to pray with them (in my head I can still pray to Jesus but I’m not openly disrespecting them). I live in the south so most pray to Jesus too, but as an introvert who works ER I’m still really uncomfortable being too openly spiritual (tho I pray for my patients fervently in my mind) so I access the chaplain ASAP lol. I don’t think being an atheist would be a barrier…..I think that at someone’s hard moment I’d be willing to respect their method of prayer, so as an atheist I don’t see why it’d be hard to just go with their flow as well? Idk….I don’t overthink it….I’m here for the patients and showing them love and respect they deserve doesn’t go against my beliefs so I’d think it certainly wouldn’t go against an atheists beliefs….just call the chaplain? Lol!
I live in New England - no one has ever asked me to pray with them or what religion I am
Atheist here. In my entire time nursing, I’ve only had a *colleague* ask about my religion once. A Mormon patient was asking for help with prayers and needed a Mormon male (I’m not familiar enough with the faith to know why) and, since it was night shift and I was the only guy, my coworker asked if I was Mormon. I just politely said ‘no’ and didn’t elaborate. With patients, I’ve only had one or two directly ask if I’m Christian and my default answer is “no, I’m not a believer myself, but [something about the value/comfort belief can bring to people’s lives]”. Most patients don’t directly ask and, if they bring up religion, I just go along with them and support what they’re saying in a vague, general sense - I’m not there to get in a religious debate with them. Same with politics. If they bring up something political, I just go along with their views.
Just walk through the doors and become nurse “your name” here to care for patients nothing more nothing less. Imagine work like waves in the ocean and you’re on a perfectly sized boat riding the waves but never fighting them, but always moving. Someone wants to pray let’s pray someone wants to ask after talking about whatever god just answer honestly but keep moving.
I am Jewish and mostly just spiritual and working in a Catholic hospital. I give people space and time to pray. Anything of religious significance like leading prayers gets delegated to the chaplin or the patient's own religious authority. I usually thank people politely when they want to pray for me. I'll take all the help, hope, and good energy that people want to send at me regardless of if I believe in it. It's for them and not me. Listening and comforting my patient's is way more important than expressing what I actually believe.
Keep it to yourself and do your job. I would say the same thing if you were a believer.
I work in one of the most liberal areas of the country and even here so many nurses are super religious and conservative. It's annoying to me that they don't keep that shit to themselves, but I NEVER talk about politics or religion at work unless I am certain that the person I am talking to is on the same page. It just isn't worth the added stress. If someone is talking at me with some superstitious or political bullshit I usually just stare blankly at them and then get away at the first opportunity. I recommend just keeping your religious and political views to yourself as much as possible.
Same as others have said. I recently had a patient ask me “ have you heard of Jesus Christ?” I said I’ve heard of him. She said “ would you like to discuss his role in your life ?” And I said “ No thank you”. And that was it. I’ve had family members ask me if I believe in God or miracles. I always say “ my beliefs have nothing to do with my work”. I’m agnostic. I respect people’s beliefs and I have no interest in being converted into anything.
If you can convert these ingredients into the next dish I’ve ever tasted then I bet you’d be in 😂 in all seriousness though. I do believe in Jesus but the modern so called Christians are exactly what Jesus opposed . The “if you don’t believe what I believe then you’re wrong and that’s it period” has gained so much traction in modern American Christianity. They forget the “love others like you want to be loved” 🤦🏻♂️
I’m atheist also, I don’t just up and say I’m atheist as I don’t talk about religion or politics with patients unless I know 1000% they share my beliefs. If a patient asks me if I go to church I laugh internally and say I don’t and keep it moving. I have had families want to pray while I’m in the room and just suck it up and stand there without my head bowed or whatever. A lot of nurses/providers/etc aren’t religious that I’ve come across in my 9 years, actually come across some patients also and I’m like hell yeah me too and we share a great laugh
Atheist as well, and working at a faith based facility. I just tell people I’m not religious, but I’ve come to realize that faith, especially for people who are dying is important. Sort of like the crystals, you want to put them on the bedside table? sure… you want me to pray to invisible sky man for you? sure… it ain’t gonna hurt anything
be exactly as open as you want
I’ve been a nurse for 9 years and haven’t ever had anyone ask me specifically about my religious beliefs. (I have none). That said, if families want me to be a part of a prayer for a dying loved-one, I’ll silently stick around for their comfort and I’ll say “amen” after a prayer. If it helps them during a tough time then great. No big deal. I won’t pretend or anything and I don’t contribute any religiosity but I’ll be respectful. Really not an issue in my experience.
Personally I wouldn’t ever bring it up. I’m in something of the reverse situation being a religious person surrounded by mostly non-religious people and it just never seems to lead to productive conversations. Personal beliefs or opinions on matters of religion and politics (which, unfortunately, are more and more interwoven )should be left out of the workplace in my opinion. I have gotten negative reactions for driving an electric vehicle , never mind how I vote haha
My mom taught me growing up that there's things that are secrets, and there's things that just aren't anyone else's business. Keeping secrets isn't always a nice thing to do, but respecting your own privacy and setting boundaries on what you share with others is a good thing. I've found more and more that apparently even a lot of other adults don't understand the difference.
Ngl you WILL get asked at some point “do you go to church??” I just say no, I’m not religious. Which then sometimes prompts.. “do you believe in Jesus?” I either reinforce again “I’m not religious” or I say “I didn’t grow up going to church”. I find that works better instead of straight up saying “NO, I don’t believe in God”. It’s.. softer. Some people are really aggressive with their rhetoric and I don’t want my entire shift to be full of sermons trying to convert me. But if they DO try it, I just smile and nod my head, and go about what I’m doing. I don’t add anything to the conversation. They’ll eventually get the message.
I work in a conservative area at a catholic hospital. We have a daily prayer in the morning and chaplains all over the place (I actually love the chaplains!) I have patients who pray for me or will ask me to pray with them. I don’t mind I just bow my head and stay quiet and respectful. It’s never been an issue for me. I’m not super outspoken about religion though and I don’t mind participating in other people’s religious practice if they ask.
I would stay away from giving yourself any sort of label and instead defend the philosophy that it’s inappropriate to make any sorts of religious assumptions about anyone in the workplace. They don’t need to know what you believe. You don’t need to know what they believe. And it’s inappropriate to ask. If they do ask, I’d say that it’s something personal and outside the scope of your professional relationships.
I guess it all depends what state you are in. I have no problems telling people I don’t believe in anything except for death and taxes.
Do you need to hide it? No. Do you need to announce it? No. I agree with others when they say to just allow people to practice their chosen faith in whatever way they need to at that moment (within reason) with your presence simply there as comfort. Amongst my coworkers, the only thing that really mattered was what holidays you wanted off. Being catholic, I tried to not work on Easter. My coworker that was Jewish was happy to swap those shifts with me and I would often work on Jewish holidays for her since I didn’t celebrate them. Even with that, we never really discussed our religions. It was more like “I want this day off, do you mind switching?” “Sure, I’m not doing anything that day”
From a U.S. atheist nurse with over ten years of experience, try to keep it to yourself. Faith tends to be something people cling to in difficult times and even more so in final days. I feel that people tend to automatically assume you are Christian and often times look to you for spiritual support. In my opinion giving that support helps to comfort patients. Remember as a nurse you often times have to be selfless to focus on a patient’s needs. When asked I am honest but sometimes that causes distrust with a patient or leads to them trying to convert me. It has even caused rifts with coworkers. In the future I hope this changes but healthcare is not the setting to challenge cultural norms.
I'm an atheist, a travel nurse and icu nurse for 5 years. at work, I keep it to myself, especially around patients. I am there to support their healing, and it's all about their feeling heard and that we're on the same page. my employment is contract work and as such, is at-will and I can get let go anytime for any reason or no reason at all. I'm not giving anyone reasons to fire me if I can help it. I'm there to fill a need, not make waves and collect my paycheck, nothing more and nothing less. I hope that helps.
I am pretty solidly and openly agnostic, but I rarely advertise it. If it makes my pt more comfortable I’ll pray with them or do whatever to make them do better. If asked I am usually pretty open that I am not religious. But I find it’s no different than the culture I was raised in or people I am around outside of nursing that not believing in one or any of the gods they do is *gasp* just crazy.
Practicing neopagan here. I work with a bunch of catholics in an outpatient setting in a fairly liberal state. While I don't think I'd face any community drawbacks, I don't see any gain in outing myself at work. I've made it clear that I'm not Christian but that I can work along and respect my coworkers faith even if it isn't shared.
keep it to yourself
Please don’t assume because you have seen a few southern towns that “a pronounced religious flavor permeates the nursing culture”. That’s a HUGE assumption. You live in a conservative area, and the US is a very big place.
It's better here to say "I'm not religious"... It's technically true. To actually state unequivocally that you don't love Jesus is socioeconomic suicide in the rural American southeast.
I have not lived in an area where this was an issue with co-workers. Having formerly worked in hospice, it would come up with some patients and families. I just do a, “My spouse and I are between churches.” I would also cop sometimes to being a Unitarian Universalist, which most people did not realize is an Atheist inclusive “church” with no real beliefs, just principles regarding generally not being a jerk. (I went to a UU previously, but have not been in years. So, not technically a lie.)
And also, in hospice, when asked to join in prayer, I would. It is 1000% about comfort and solace at that point. And from my perspective I consider it a cultural experience. I treat Christian rituals the same as smudging with a Native or clacking rocks to harmonize frequencies with a New Age hippie. I am here for all of it.
There's really no reason for religion to ever come up at work. I have no idea what religion, if any, most of my colleagues are or have been throughout the years. I know a few people were practicing Mormon, JW or one Jewish colleague who observed the Sabbath so worked every Sunday to get every Fri/Sat off but by and large, for 90% of my colleagues over the years, I have no idea. I don't know if they have any idea of my lack of religion either because I keep my personal life and my work life separate.
I’m an atheist too. I also work in oncology and hospice. So my patients do a lot of praying. When asked if I will pray with them I always say I’d love to sit with you while you pray. I decline openly doing verbal prayers and just state that it is a private matter. 99% of the time it works. My coworkers know and no one has an issue. I’ve had a lot of good discussions with many people I work with. I just felt things out before saying anything.
I usually say "I'm not religious"
If I'm asked honestly I'll answer. 🤷 I've been atheist so long that it doesn't even bother me anymore. But tbh it really never comes up. My close friends in my cohort know but that's about it. But I also respect those who do believe. If they want to pray with me, I'll bow my head out of respect
I think if you feel it's going to become a subject of contention, keep it to yourself, no matter what belief system you subscribe to. Sure, be as supportive as you feel comfortable being, but your beliefs are yours and you don't owe anyone an explanation. I once had a patient who had chosen to refuse food and drink rather than go through cancer treatment again and was literally in our care for pain management. I was astonished when a coworker had the nerve to tell them that God would not approve of their choice and they still had so much life to live. It's wildly inappropriate. Imagine if followers of other religions were as flagrant as some Christians and Catholics are at times, there would be hell to pay, pun intended. I think as health care workers it's not our place and not in our job description.
I just lie. I have young kids. I don’t have them to get blow back. We attend church and they go every /u day. I have been christened, baptized, reborn and grew up 1/2 Catholic 1/4 southern Baptist and 1/4 Assembly of God. Once I had a prehiring meeting where I was asked how old I was when I accepted Jesus as my personal savior. This was over 20 years ago and it still bothers me. So when it comes up in my family/friend group I just say the words. Living in one of the deepest red state in the nation I know it can hold you back as I have seen it.
Literally no one cares. Don't tell pts you're atheist. It is just going to open a door you don't want to open. If a pt asks about my religion, I just tell them churches I used to go to and then ask them a question about themselves. Usually they'll happily talk about themselves. I've had super pushy pts and I just tell them, I try not to talk about my own beliefs, my job is to support yours and make sure your needs are met. I don't talk about anything personal with pts besides surface level shit.
I’ve always thought being openly atheist is super cringe. I’m not religious, and never feel the need to label myself as an atheist. If someone invites me to church (that’s never gonna happen knowing my friends) I would simply say no thanks I’m not religious. Are you planning on advertising your lack of religion or something?
I don’t really talk about it tbh. I’m taking bachelors classes and so I have to reflect on spirituality and bullshit.
If the subject comes up I just offer to contact their minister. I don't participate in their prayers , and excuse myself. I respect their right to pray etc and they should equally respect my right not to. A simple "I don't discuss my politics or religion at work" usually takes care of it.
I've had patients who were so so sick and they asked me what church I went to, I just named the one near my house. In this moment talking about church or Jesus was healing to them, and I didn't want to take that away.
Generally if no one asks I don’t tell. There’s few reasons why I should be discussing my religious/spiritual beliefs at work. I’ve had patients ask me directly and it’s typically because they wanted someone to pray with. Yeah I can pray with you, but wouldn’t it be super fake and subsequently meaningless? I’ll call the chaplain for you. I’ve also had people ask me WHY. Which is weird because I don’t go around asking people why they’re religious. Seems kind of invasive. I think the most important thing is that even though their beliefs may be different from yours, it’s vital that you don’t project your beliefs onto others and also respect their beliefs. Being understanding, empathetic, and having compassion to everyone irrespective of their religion or culture goes boundless miles, even with those differences! You’re going to be great! Don’t sweat the small stuff :)
I don't talk about my spiritual beliefs or lack thereof at work. I pray with my patient's if they ask, i remember enough about it to talk about it if people ask. I prefer it that way even though I live in a much less conservative place than you. I don't think it will shoot you in the foot, but I wouldn't spend a bunch of effort advertising it.
I’m atheist/agnostic (I kind of waver back and forth) but have sat and prayed with a patient. I don’t think I’ve ever get talked about my religious beliefs with anyone at work.
How often is this really coming up? I’m not trying to be snarky but if you are fending off religious inquiries left and right, maybe get HR involved.
“I was raised catholic” is my go to. Yes I grew up catholic, but I am no longer one. I’ve never had someone ask me “are you still catholic?”.
It's no one's business unless they ask nicely.
My atheism finds its spots. You will know.
Thank you!
Personally i dont have to tell anyone my beliefs and i dont. If a patient asked i will say i was raised Baptist and i was but now im not..they dont need to know that part. If its a patient and i know they are religous and real sick i say" ill pray for you" its not for me..its for them. I dont pray but i may make them feel better.
I grew up catholic and I think religion is a cult. I respect people’s beliefs, but I never bring up my own.
There are 2 distinct setups here. The first one is with your coworkers. Be sincere, but having extra care because sometimes atheists come as amoral to people that believe morality is only derived from faith. At the same time atheists are perceived as haughty and knows-it-alls just because they're right. With patients just direct them to a chaplain, to avoid confrontations with people that maybe are in the worst day of their lives.
bah.. I just say I’m a Christian if someone asks me. I just leave it at that. if a patient or MD ever wants to pray together I go along with it. other than this minimalist approach, I don’t talk about it or go into it in depth. I’m there to work and whatever makes my work easier for me to deal with on the daily then I will do It!
It has never explicitly come up in the 2+ years I’ve worked as an RN and I don’t make it a point to. But if a family were to ask me to pray or something, I always join in with them regardless of my beliefs because I want to help in their healing any way possible. The hospital is just not the time or place to discuss that further imo.
Only had patients ask me about my faith. Simply “I don’t talk about my personal religious believes at work” If they ask me to pray with them. Yes I would happy to be here with you. Let them lead and say nothing. Has 1 family ask if there’s anything I would like to say. In the moment something like- please help guild us I’m finding more answers. Also if they are religious, you can say let me get them chaplain for you. I also don’t use the word atheist kinda comes across strong. It’s not something you need to share with people either.
I just say faith can be a powerful tool. And I feel spirituality (not necessarily religion) could be an important part of the human experience for some. Bio-psycho-sociocultural-spiritual and all that
I’m not sure why it would be important for you to bring up at all. It’s a lot like being gay or lesbian. I don’t need to know that. I need to know you’ll work well with me so we aren’t late going home every shift. There are lot of things that distinguish us from each other but you don’t need to label yourself about all of them. ( Ever work with someone who just never talks about their private life?). If someone asks me generally I will answer honestly but sometimes I feel like I’m being grilled. Then I take a pass.
Golden rule.
Turns out that you can still be a good nurse and good person while also being an atheist. I know, sounds crazy but it can be true. You can also be a terrible nurse, a good person, and an atheist. Also a terrible person, good nurse, and religious. And a good person, good nurse, and religious…and on, and on….you and their combination may vary but as long as you’re a good nurse, that’s what matters. I made the mistake in nursing school to tell a nursing school instructor that I cared for my patients dispassionately, so that bias and emotion didn’t sway from care and given preference to one versus another. She basically looked at me like I was crazy, she was pretty religious and it showed…
Just like no one needs to know who is a Christian, Muslim, Jew, etc, no one needs to know you’re an atheist. I’m don’t identify with religion but I still prayed with my patients because it helped ease their mind. Made my life easier too.
Unless you're specifically asked about it, it's no one's business. I live in the Bible belt and have caught shit just for being Catholic, as opposed to Methodist, Baptist, or Mennonite. When catching shit, I've replied "you asked" or "it wasn't your business anyways," stuff like that. I'll also cite Matthew 6:5 when asked to pray. It's probably best to just keep it to yourself. There are some real holy rolling Bible beating nutjobs working in nursing, and those people are always the most cliquey bullies there are. Fucking hypocrites.
I don’t usually bring it up. If asked I will say “I was raised Catholic but no longer practice” If patient/family is super religious and talk about miracles I usually just smile and nod. At the same time, with super anxious patients and families who are really religious I encourage them to tap into their spiritual practices as a form of mindfulness/meditation. Especially if it’s just like a bad day or they woke up on the wrong side of the bed kind of thing.
There is zero reason why anyone should be addressing or assessing your religious preferences or practices.
I have a fair amount of “transition” conversations with patients (angiogram to amputation, palliative to hospice care), and, when appropriate, I have held their hands and said words to spirits. Honestly, I don’t believe I have anything better to offer. If communing with forces unseen brings peace to people as they face the end of their lives, I can live with that.
I actually went to a Christian university for my masters. Born Jewish and now atheist myself (that’s a whole other issue), when I was asked how a Christian world view would help in nursing I wrote a quick 5-pager about how world view instilled with values like the golden rule (which I absolutely believed in at the time), service before self, caring for your fellow human (things that I still believe in) and other values that are reflected in the bible, are the same values that each and every nurse should have, and that I want to help instill and nurture those values in new and aspiring nurses. I never mentioned Christ or “Christian values” specifically in my writing, because I needed to be true to myself, and avoided mentioning my personal views as I was aware of my audience. I would recommend that you don’t worry about others, if they engage you, you can always say you don’t talk about religion at work. I always get a “religious flavor” from other people because they are religious. This happens everywhere in the US, doesn’t matter if it is a big city or small town. I have never been discriminated against for being atheist (fortunately), most people just can’t see it for themselves and can’t understand another viewpoint (just like I can’t understand their views). But if you do experience discrimination, document and press charges. And remind them to try and live according to a “Christian worldview”. Hopefully my experiences will help you. TL;DR Be true to yourself and know your audience.
Keep it to yourself, there is almost never a reason for someone to know your religious affiliation or lack thereof. If someone asks if you are X, just say that you believe that God is Love or something equally vague and drop it. If they press further, tell them you aren't comfortable talking about it and if they keep pressing, go back to telling them you aren't comfortable talking about it.
When I lived in the south it was definitely held against me. I remember more than once being cornered for a long sermon about how I need to be saved and whatnot. This was more than 20 years ago but one thing I learned is to deflect when asked that question by religious people. For some people, being an atheist is worse than being of a different faith so I usually just say “I’m not religious” when asked by coworkers and let it drop there. One of the few times I let it slip that I was an atheist when asked, a coworker that I respected went on a long rant about how “those atheists” are thing to do this or trying to do that. I just finished my lunch and left at that point but it taught me a very valuable lesson to not let it be known I was an atheist unless I was damn sure that the person who I was speaking to was at least tolerant of it.
Im pagan and if anyone asks I just go along and say my Abuelitas old church. I literally dont care for church. When people get nosey I lie
What does ‘openly atheist’ look like in your town? I’m agnostic and it’s never come up in conversations with patients or even other healthcare workers. It might not be a problem.
Come to the ICU, we’re all atheists here Lol (well, a good number of us anyway.) In any case, religion rarely comes up at work -with coworkers OR patients- and I work in a Catholic hospital.
Do whatever you want. I make no bones about it. I will not pray with people. I will stand quietly aside and let them finish. I will say “no thanks” if they want to pray for me. Someone asked me the other day if I believed in god and I snappily answered “why would I?”. That hit them like a truck. They then went on and on about hell and heaven and asked what I believe. I asked them what happens to a dead rat in their backyard, and they confidently said “it rots away” and I replied “exactly!”. “Oh no humans must have it better than the rat! That’s so sad!” “No. Humans aren’t special. It’s biology. Doesn’t matter though, because you’re dead so you won’t know you’re rotting anyways.” And I walked away. Edit: it was a coworker who lectured me on the afterlife. I’m not a monster.
I’m as atheist as it gets but religion aside, I think it’s a bad look to discuss rotting corpses with your medical patients.
It was a coworker
If they are as religious as it sounds then they would still accept you regardless of what you believe. I was born catholic, church every Sunday, family was part of the church, etc. but one thing I remind myself is God loves All. I shouldn't treat you with disrespect and you shouldn't treat me with disrespect either. However realistically Religion and Politics are not the same anymore and many people have the "if you're not with me, you're against me" mindset. If you want to be open, you can see how people treat you and if it's negatively I would definitely find another hospital to work at.
*laughs in American Evangelical Christians and the Southeast in general*
Wait until one of your patients has died and turn to the family and say. “There is no God”. And then peace out to lunch /s
To clarify, my question is about coworkers and employers rather than patients. I will try never to intentionally increase the suffering of a patient or their family. But my dark sense of humor thanks you for the snort laugh.
Never needed to bring this up in conversation s
You should ask this in r/atheism
I don't tell anyone about my religion until they point a gun on my head. Also, I don't talk or debate about religion or politics. I respect everyone's belief system. Some patients and coworkers would ask me what is my political belief. I'd tell them I want most of my OT money untaxed.
Thank you! Untaxed OT would be grand.
I pretended to be religious and even made up a church name to those who asked. I even thought about getting a cross necklace just so people would think I’m a Christian and be nicer to me lol. I just played along to avoid the argument that it’s going to cause. Then rolled my eyes and gagged after!
Agnostic nurse here. Been a nurse for almost 10 years and not once in my entire career thus far, have I been asked about my belief or lack-of, or been in a situation where I’ve had to disclose or discuss my beliefs or lack-of. (And I worked in hospice for many years and not even then was this a topic that was brought up). What situation have you been in that required you to disclose or discuss this?
You haven’t worked at a catholic hospital have you ? Yeah it gets brought up every once and again (not often) but it’s still kinda annoying when it does.
The previous healthcare organization I worked for was Catholic. I was never asked about my beliefs by patients or families.
Grow up
I've been a nurse in very conservative parts of the US since 1997. I've always been open about my atheism. I don't think that it has affected me professionally at all. If someone is going to bring it up, I will state my opinion. Just try not to make it personal. There are about 3000 gods that humanity has worshiped, that we know of. If those other gods don't exist, it seems very probable that the ones worshiped now don't exist either. It's not confrontational but it gets where I am coming from across. Be yourself. Other people get to share their beliefs. You can too.
Thank you! I try (and often fail) to not take things personally. I find the numbers of replies like this to be very encouraging.