Catholicism

Catholicism is a subject I've never fully understood. In the past I've chalked it up to being just like other Christian religions. I expected to learn about some of the aspects that make it different than other Christian religions, what makes their culture unique, and how I can integrate my knowledge into my nursing career.

I learned that the Catholic culture shares a lot of the same values and ideas as other Christian faiths, and the local culture here. Family is important to Catholics. A strong solid faith in God is the center of their faith. Catholics are taught to utilize their unique skills on local levels, serving family, neighborhoods, parishes, and small towns or cities. This is believed to be the best way to know the people they serve, and enhance their talents. This culture focuses on a constant yearning for knowledge and understanding, while maintaining a constant contact with God, and preparing for life after death where they will dwell in the Heavens, Hell, or purgatory.

Understanding the ideas of this religious culture is important for my career. I have already encountered several individuals who have different faiths, and ones that I do not understand or know much about. I try to allow these individuals to practice their faith while under my care, and utilize any religious leaders the hospital may have access to. I have patients that choose to participate in prayer, rituals, and call on their loved ones to provide them the spiritual support they desire while in the hospital. This is important to the holistic aspect of each individual and allows for spiritual healing as well as physical healing.

I do not have any particularly negative feelings toward the Catholic faith culture. I respect their beliefs, and try my best to provide an environment for my patients to practice their faith. I do not know many who practice this faith, so I am not terribly familiar with it. I don’t necessarily agree with all of the ideologies and aspects of faith that Catholicism offers, but I do believe that everyone deserves the right to believe in what they like and practice their faith appropriately.