..Nurse Petrie said, "I saw my patients suffering and as I believe in the power of prayer, I began asking them if they wanted me to pray for them.

One thing she must not realise is how important it is that the person being prayed for also believe in the power of prayer. But, that really isn't the issue. She broke a rule and went against the first warning. BY her own admission she does this as s standard thing and that, to me, is a form of proselytising.

Nurses do not have to be this overt with their own beliefs AND can be full of compassion, empathy, and TLC (tender loving care) without ever offending in this or any other non-medical way.

I, too, have benefited greatly from Mudcatters' and others prayers, but they were actively sought by me or on my behalf and they came from people whom I know, love, and care about in return. BIG difference, imo.

When I was in hospital for the new heart valve, none of the nurses did anything like this, and it was in a hospital owned and operated by nuns of the Roman Catholic Church! There was a chaplain on duty and I did ask for her the first night after surgery. When she came in, I told her I was a non-Christian metaphysician and just needed some positive "re-enforcement." The comfort, support, and reassurance she offered me was what got me through a very terrible night. The next night I watched/listened to an in-house tv channel which was ALL affirmations, meditations, and soothing music. I couldn't believe how non-denominational it all was, in fact, how non-religious it was...in a Catholic hospital! It was respectful and wonderful and available to anyone, BUT not pushed in anyway, in fact I only discovered it by flipping through channels.

I am sure if the patient wanted prayers, she would know who to ask for them etc. The nurse needs to learn to not offer unless asked, imo.