Reading Skills for Healthcare Workers

Healthcare workers often meet people from different religions. Many people believe in a higher power. They believe in something greater than themselves. Their belief in God or another spiritual being gives them a feeling of purpose. Some people are members of common religions. They follow the guidelines of the religion. They might go to church, a temple, or a mosque to practice their religion with others. Other people believe in a spiritual power that helps to guide their lives. These people are not members of a religion. They usually read books or meditate to help them find meaning in their lives. Some people like to tell others their beliefs. Others don’t talk about their beliefs. They keep their beliefs private.

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When patients get sick, they have different ways to help them feel less stress about their illness. They might want to discuss their faith with another person. They may want to attend church services. They might ask nursing assistants to help them find certain pages in a holy book. They may want someone to pray with. Patients often find that praying increases their hope.

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Nursing assistants might not have the same beliefs as their patients. A nursing assistant can find a religious leader to pray with a patient. A nursing assistant can take a patient to a church service in the hospital. Many patients think that their beliefs will help them cope with their illness. Their beliefs will usually help them feel better. Nursing assistants should be respectful of all of their patients’ beliefs.