Quotations
Here are what three nurses in the RCN survey had to say about personal belief and nursing practice:
”I think that patients should be able to ask nurses about their own faith and for nurses (especially Christians, who have been completely marginalised in today’s Britain. You can be any religion except Christian) to tell them what they believe, without consequences. I wouldn't start the conversation with a patient, but feel uncomfortable sharing my faith, especially in the light of recent disciplinary actions taken against Christian nurses.”
“Nurses will always say they need more education, but in the crowded curriculum there will never be enough time for spirituality. It should be embedded in all our teaching, not stowed away in separate sessions.”
“I believe that each patient has the right to express their spirituality in an appropriate manner. Staff should be wary of pushing their own beliefs on people that are not ready to accept it, but should recognise when people are asking for spiritual help.”