A Nigerian nurse in the UK has been allegedly deported for praying for an ailing patient.
This was shared by social media influencer, Dr. Olufunmilayo via X on Thursday.
He pointed out the strict guidelines surrounding religious practices in healthcare settings in the UK and warned nurses from Nigeria not to make the same mistake when they come over.
According to Dr. Olufunmilayo, the nurse, who was employed through an agency, was assigned to care for an elderly patient who was nearing the end of their life.
However she made the mistake of praying for the recovery of the patient.
He wrote, “I just read the sad story of a Nigerian who came to the UK and was employed by an agency to work as a carer for elderly people. She was assigned to care for an elderly patient who was dying and she was reported for “praying for the client to get better”. Yeah. She got sacked and deported.
“For those expressing shock at the sack and deportation, let me explain further. As a health worker/carer in UK, it is
unethical to involve religion or impose your religious views on patients/clients.
It’s seen as an abuse of trust and misuse of your position.
“You are expected to simply do your job and focus on your job. Even IF the patient/client were to bring up a religious conversation, you should refer them to speak with a pastor, chaplain, imam, cleric or any religious figure.
“As a health worker; You should not be engaging in religious activities with a patient/client. If you get reported to the appropriate authorities, you can lose your job. Many times, this also means you lose your sponsorship and visa to remain in the country.
“Remember your visa to stay in the country as a worker is tied to your employment. If you lose your employment- you will lose your stay in the country.
“Except of course you find another job and employer- but in these kinds of circumstances surrounding the sack- you may struggle to find another employer.
“This is why I’m using this avenue to help create some awareness regarding this situation- especially for any Nigeria attempting to come to UK or already in UK as a health worker or carer.
“Please leave your religion out of your professional workspace. They will sack you here,” he said.
