Religion in healthcare professions

[Sophie]

I just got a new job (woohoo!), and it's my first nursing job since becoming an atheist.  (I've been between jobs for about 8 months).  The hospital is in my hometown (I used to work downtown Atlanta, but the drive was horrible) and aside from being nicer and friendlier, it's more of a Christian environment.  Not offensively so - just an encouraging bible verse about healing on the wall here and there.  The thing that I'm nervous about is that most nurses I know are Christians.  It's not a big deal to not talk about religion once you're chummy with co-workers, but in the South, part of getting to know each other is often "where do you go to church?"  

Any thoughts about my situation or any similar experiences for healthcare professionals?

[tacoma_kyle]

I say if you do, just ease it in. That kinda stuff needs to com gradually probably even more so since it is a more professional position. There have been several RN's on here. I'm a PH Tech at a hospital. Good job for goin through school.

But yeah I am still quite surprised there is less god crap running around where I work. Only seen a few priests or whatever the title.

Anyhow, good luck. Probably be vague at first .

A few people in the pharmacy know I am.

[McQ]

I would guess the ratio of religious to atheist in healthcare is about the same as anywhere else in society. Could be wrong, but I've spent the last 18 years around doctors and nurses, and it's seems the same to me. Never did a study to find out exactly.

Just be yourself and shock them with the high ethics that atheists actually have.

[tacoma_kyle]

Thats kinda funny you mention that ethics statement, McQ.

A while back I was discussing it with another PH Tech. He was sincere in his questions, which I appreciated a lot (we always got along really well before and still do).

But he asked somethin along the lines of 'how can you be a good person?' I asked 'Do you think I am? I mean I swear a lot but other than that...' He kinda shrugged in acceptance of the statement.

It was quite apparent after we got done with the conversation I certainly got him thinking (like intrigued-curious thinking). Kinda funny.

[MommaSquid]

I just got a new job (woohoo!) ... (I used to work downtown Atlanta, but the drive was horrible) ...

Congrats on the new job!  The Atlanta traffic was terrible 10 years ago when I lived there, so I can only imagine how bad it is now.  So congrats on leaving that behind.

...but in the South, part of getting to know each other is often "where do you go to church?"

You could say you haven't been to church in a while but you used to attend (insert church name here).  If you're a little vague, most people won't push as long as they're busy working.  

As long as you're a fine, upstanding, ethical person you'll fit right in.  I'm sure you'll do just fine.  

[ILOVEJESUS]

your doing gods work anyway. just that you know that there isnt a god.ask them why that matters ?

[Will]

"Where do you go to church?"
"That's a good question. What are you doing later? The new Brad Pitt movie is out."

It's called deflection.

[ONZero]

If asked, I reply that I'm not religious.  That is a neutral and non agressive reply and will let you back out of the next question.  Why don't you come to church with me?  And the commentary about why their church is so great and pastor so and so is this and that.  It is a sensitive area especially if you have to work with religious people or have one as your supervisor.  My boss sometimes says, "Bless you, bless you," when he is in a good mood.  And I know I did not sneeze.  (ONZero)

[Asmodean]

Are atheists so unwelcome in the Southern US society that you actually have to worry about it?

That said, personally I think religion and medicine are not compatible. Certain aspects of certain religions have a knack for getting people killed. Those same people, whom science would at least have given a decent chance.