I think the time has finally come that we all step up and step out of the closet. Otherwise, we will be over ridden by the religious extremists.

I would explain I'm an Atheist but would be willing to join hands with them in my own thoughts if they welcomed that.

Sometimes you just have to fake it. This looks like one of those times to me.

There's really not a response that fits what I think I'd do in reality. I would not participate in the circle because I would feel it was hypocritical of me. I hope I would have anticipated the pastor's suggestion and bowed out. I don't think that is the time to announce my religious status. I am not even sure they would notice. Their minds are elsewhere.
It is a problem, however. We should not have to hide our disbelief, but there are some real-world implications that we would have to be aware of before we 'come out', particularly if we're involved in a vocation that relies on customers (or patients) to choose us.

I personally don't find that there's any harm in indulging someone in a time of great need and trepidation. You provide them with comfort, and I'm quite sure you will not go to atheist hell for it...

It's hard to say you would do something but until you are in the predicament you can't really say. I usually do not partake in the bowing of the head or anything like that but when the entire family is there and they are relying on you, the Dr, to take care of their family member, they would probably feel a lot more comforted if they saw the Dr atleast go through the motions of praying. I think it is part of the job at that point..considering atheists are not religious it will not offend us or affect us one bit to go through the motions to comfort a family in need.

You can smile and excuse yourself during this time, or just play along and think of it as positive thoughts. You can also use the time to meditate, which is always good.
No need to shut your eyes, though.

Be respectful. It won't hurt and it will reassure them.

State of mind is a large factor in healing. If participating in a prayer helps ease the patient and family, why not?

Sometimes ya just gotta humor the poor lil things like the children that they are !

Do whatever reasonable thing that needs to be done to calm their nerves.

Say "No thank you, I'm not religious" and stand aside respectfully until they're done. No need to leave the room, and certainly no need to engage in other demonstrations of dissent.

Out of respect for the distraught family members I would be supportive of whatever means they chose to deal with their anxiety.

Hold hands, don't bow my head. I wouldn't close my eyes. I would just be quiet and wait for it to be over, not add anything or make the moment about me.

I think I'd try to bow out gracefully by saying something like, "Oh, no thank you; that should be time for the family and I'd feel like I were intruding." If they insisted after that, I'd stand with them respectfully as they prayed and then politely excuse myself after they were finished.

I attend a small, friendly church although the pastor and many (all?) of the members know I'm a nonbeliever. Recently I was in the hospital and a group of them came to visit. As they prepared the pastor said, "I know you don't want me to, but I'm going to say a prayer for you." I thought I would smile with the nurse during the prayer, but she had her eyes closed too."

Wear a rainbow necklace that says "Pride" to avoid even being asked.

I would state, "Sir, am not religious, but I will do everything in my power to ensure that Mr. (or Mrs.) X has the best of outcomes." Then I would step out.

Since most surgeons think they're god, seems like you'd think they were preying to you.

Tell him/her I am not a believer, but I will give my patient the full benefit of my training and discipline, then I would excuse myself and leave the room.

I am a midwife, and have had occasions where a woman needed an emergency cesearean, or tell her that her baby had died or has a life threatening or not compatible with life, birth defect. That is a time of great fear, great sorrow, great apprehension and devastation. At a time like that, they don't need me to tell them I am atheist and don't want to pray with them, or whatever. It isn't hurting me one bit to stand quietly, hold hands and listen to a prayer with them. I don't bow my head, or close my eyes, but a few minutes of something that gives them a bit of comfort is no skin off my back. It isn't a time for me to act all superior, or disgusted about what they believe. I don't have to believe in what they believe in. It doesn't really matter to me what they believe. It is their business. My job is to do whatever it takes to have them safe and get the best possible outcome. If this helps, I'll do it. I have had many women with all kinds of beliefs. Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Taoist, Pagan, Atheist, or whatever.

Either join in or graciously decline. Its not about you it's about the patient

Either you do it respectfully as it’s a small comfort for a patient that’s possibly dying, will be dead, or is going through tremendous pain. Or, if you are that staunchly against prayer, graciously bow out and wait until they are done.

I was a combat medic in the Army and a lot of my infantry buddies found religion when they were being shot at or being blown up. I only ever lost one soldier. I never knocked them for it because it’s a scary thing. If it brings them a little peace, I don’t mind it.

I would hold hands, but l wouldn't bow my head.

Explain i am there to do a job and that is and shouldnt get distracted from it politely whilst in my head think get the feck put of my way and let me concentrate on the important shit