Worldview Tensions in Nursing - Essay Example

Some of the tensions that may arise in a diverse healthcare setting include observance of holy days such as the Sabbath and treatment preferences based on religion. Christians are required to work for six days and rest on the seventh. The seventh day is meant for worship. However, patients still need services on those days. Thus, hospital administrators may call upon nurses to provide services on Sabbath. Such a move is beneficial to the patients but disregards the worldview of the nurses in regard to worship. Tensions may arise since Christian nurses would prefer to rest on Sabbath, Muslims on Friday and thus administrators may take actions such as demotion or other actions targeted at punishing the nurses.

Another cause of tension is when patients refuse treatment in critical situations. There are instances where religion or culture has been cited to justify the refusal of treatment. Such scenarios may include minors or critically ill patients. In such instances, there arises tension since health workers may opt to save lives by going against the worldviews of the patients and their relatives.