Religion for Nursing Students
CHEYENNE - Increasing numbers of nursing students are taking religion into consideration when treating patients.
Michael G. Azar, assistant lecturer for the religious studies program at the University of Wyoming, said the number of nurses in the introductory Religion 1000 online class has been increasing.
“I would say its probably the most frequent major I have seen,” he said. “They go together very well, I think, if it’s nothing beyond simply being able to talk to your patients and comfort them.” READ MORE
To me, this makes a lot of sense. Sometimes, a person’s true exploration of religion doesn’t begin until, unfortunately, he or she is faced with their coming death. Hospitals are sometimes filled with more religious people that churches. I like the idea of nurses, and doctors as well, taking some religious classes. In fact, I think this should be a required part of their education, if only as a first year student.
I mean, ultimately, we will all die. No matter how well doctors treat your or how good the medical advances, death is unavoidable. With death comes thoughts on the afterlife. By doctors and nurses understanding different religious viewpoints, they can better understand their patients and better determine how to treat them. Our lives lie in the hands of these doctors and nurses, and to be the very best, I believe that understanding the human spirit is crucial. Science only takes you so far.
I’m not saying that doctors and nurses have to be religious. I’m not saying they should promote religion. I’m just saying that, in general, they should understand the viewpoints of their patients as fully as possible.
nurses, doctors, medical care, nursing students, college students, patient care, religion
May 1st, 2007 at 8:32 pm
A very interesting topic - medical people and religion. I agree, they go together well. Long before I was a pastor, I was a nurse. Some of the best ministry there is comes from those who have first hand interactions with those who are ill, and can bring them comfort of body, mind, AND spirit!