Theology in Nursing Should it be Accepted or No?

In the profession of nursing what is required to do many things, including take blood pressure,
give shots, care for a patient, etc. The question I am proposing today is should theology be accepted in
the nursing field. I am proposing this question because in nursing school we are taught that we have to
put aside our personal beliefs and do what we think is best for the patient. We are also thought that we
have to be accepting and understanding of everyone’s beliefs in order to help the patient make the best
decision for themselves.
Some people believe that nurses should base the rules on beliefs and care, while others view
nurses as wants to take responsibility for the care of the patients. As a nursing major I think this is a very
important topic to cover, because we do not want nurses to undermine someone else’s religion by
overtaking out with their own, therefore over taking their care. The care that nurses provide goes
beyond just physical care. Nurses do their best to provide care mentally too. Some Christians believe that
it is a nurses job to help end mental suffering through theological views. Others argue that theological
views can prevent a nurse, or any healthcare specialist from doing their job correctly. For example, if
something goes against their personal beliefs then what are the healthcare professionals supposed to
do? Are they supposed to abandon their own beliefs for the better of their patient? Or are they
supposed to put aside their personal beliefs and do with the patient has asked of them? This is been
debated throughout time, because when medical professionals go to work, they must put aside their
personal beliefs in order for them to thrive at their job. This is because we can’t assume everyone’s
beliefs are the same as our own. Another thing that nurses also deal with that can be controversial is
death of patients. How are family would want that to be handled is different for each family. For
example, Christians view death is part of the plan of God. Buddhists believe in reincarnation after death.
Since there are many different interpretations, Nurses do not want to assume that the way they believe
is the only way or the way that others believe. There are many different cultures and religions out there
that play into nursing. For example, a white Christian may have different views than an Asian Buddhist.
They may have different people making their medical decisions, or they may have certain beliefs that
they have to follow while in the hospital. It is a Nurses job to advocate for the best interest of their
patient including diet treatment and mental health no matter what their religion is. One specific factor
that can be different for each religion is a persons diet. For example in some cultures you can’t have
meat or in other cultures you can’t have any animal products. This can make it hard that if one’s on
theology is involved that they might have their patient do something that’s not in the best interest for
them in terms of their religion. This would make it very difficult for medical professionals to separate
their own beliefs versus the beliefs of the patient. No matter what the patient should be considered first
including their thoughts, feelings, and opinions. Part of the job of nurses is to educate patients on
everything, including the treatment they are receiving, making sure they understand, everything that’s
about to happen and making sure they are ok with what is happening. That would all be difficult if the
nurse was constantly trying to make decisions based on their own beliefs rather than the patients.
Overall, there are many arguments that one can make for both sides. On one side, it could bring
comfort to the patient knowing that there is some spiritual help that they can get. On the other side,
theology can infringe on the nurses ability to do their work to the best of their ability and with the
patient in mind. A patient could find a lot of comfort, knowing that their nurse is religious and follows
the same religion and beliefs that they do. On the other hand, if a nurse were to refuse treatment based
on their own belief system, rather than the belief system of nursing in general that could put the patient
in both physical and mental danger. Overall, there is no right or wrong answer to this. It’s a matter of
opinion.