I Believe In God

I may not understand nor agree… Regardless of their religious affiliation or lack thereof, they will be loved and care for. Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Atheism, and other belief systems are encountered in a hospital setting. As a nurse, how can I care for a patient who does not believe in God? Mediate with the individual, face their bed towards Mecca, recognize food restrictions, and pray with them or listen to their pleas… In a time of trepidation, help them to cling on to their faith. If I am unfamiliar or uncomfortable with the patient’s practices, I will be a supporting presence. If the client is too weak to fulfill his or her religious tasks, then I can, to the best of my ability, perform the tasks if permissible.

I compromise my faith when I fail to accept the world. I may not verbalize my faith in God if the patient does not have the same belief. However, if the patient asks about my faith, I will convey whom I belong to and where my hope comes from. If my faith is expressed, ethnocentrism is of concern. I do not want my patients to think that I am judgmental or view my religion as superior. My tone, words, and demeanor should not evoke superiority to my patient. I will not try to persuade them or “shove my religion down their throat”. However, I hope that my attitude and actions make a good case for God. Appropriate and good patient care will be given even if my religion and the beliefs of my patient do not coincide. No two persons have the same faith. Two individuals may both believe in the same creator or implement the same rituals or practices, but their relationship with their creator and their faith are not exact. If someone states that they are a Christian, I cannot just assume what their spiritual needs are. A conversation is still pertinent. Communication is

I meet the patient in the season that they are in. I provide the spiritual care that they seek. I can honor Christ by tending to the needs of His child. God can intercede in this situation. Kindness should be evident in my words and actions. An answer for my patient should always be on my lips. “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). An opportunity may arise where I may be able to share my faith, or God may use me or someone else to lead the patient to Him. I may just be able to be proof of God’s love, and that is a remarkable thing.

In conclusion, it can be difficult to meet someone’s religious, especially if they differ from my own. Research and do not just provide care based on assumptions. Converse with the patient and find out their expectations. Serve them to the best of your ability. If you are serving them with all your heart, they are bound to see Him in