Spiritual Nursing

This article is learned and erudite. Some people are more comfortable addressing spiritual issues than others. It can be a touchy topic for nurse and patient. That doesn't mean that we can stop trying. Working in oncology made this clear to me. People thrist for the knowledge and comfort of a supreme being, other, or higher power. We all want to know what comes next. In a crisis the patient and family need more from us. Unfortunately, we either can't relate or don't have to courage to engage. In this current climate of cutbacks, the spiritual well being of the patient, is not a priority for most health care professionals. It is all well and good to talk about holistic health care and quite another to put it into practice. Time is money in the health care industry. Spirituality will take a back seat for many reasons.

Quote from cherryames1949This article is learned and erudite. Some people are more comfortable addressing spiritual issues than others. It can be a touchy topic for nurse and patient. That doesn't mean that we can stop trying. Working in oncology made this clear to me. People thrist for the knowledge and comfort of a supreme being, other, or higher power. We all want to know what comes next. In a crisis the patient and family need more from us. Unfortunately, we either can't relate or don't have to courage to engage. In this current climate of cutbacks, the spiritual well being of the patient, is not a priority for most health care professionals. It is all well and good to talk about holistic health care and quite another to put it into practice. Time is money in the health care industry. Spirituality will take a back seat for many reasons.

I think it depends where you live. I live in the Bible belt and spiritual care is a priority. Our healthcare system employs over 30 Parish Nurses, including me. Although we play an important role in meeting the spiritual needs of patients, others in the healthcare team see the importance of this as well. I am very fortunate to live and work in an area which realizes the importance of addressing physical, psychological, and spiritual needs.

If the spirit suffers the body dies.....when the spirit is strong then the body can get well. I commend the OP for this article and others written on this subject.I believe with my whole heart that there is a spiritual realm that we cannot see. Don't be discouraged OP, there will be people who tell you, you're crazy, you're imaging things, you're of the devil.(Funny how people say they don't believe in God but they call you a devil) Bottom line a lot of people will not believe they will harden their hearts, but that's ok because Jesus said My sheep know My voice.. don't be discouraged because all things work together for those who love the Lord and who are called together for His purpose. Peace and Blessings be with you.

What are your thoughts on sharing with a patient that you are praying for them?

[QUOTE=BunnySan27;5819497]If the spirit suffers the body dies.....when the spirit is strong then the body can get well. I commend the OP for this article and others written on this subject.I believe with my whole heart that there is a spiritual realm that we cannot see. Don't be discouraged OP, there will be people who tell you, you're crazy, you're imaging things, you're of the devil.(Funny how people say they don't believe in God but they call you a devil) Bottom line a lot of people will not believe they will harden their hearts, but that's ok because Jesus said My sheep know My voice.. don't be discouraged because all things work together for those who love the Lord and who are called together for His purpose. Peace and Blessings be with you.[/QUOTEThank you for the words of encouragement . The realization of the importance of Spiritual Care in Nursing practice cannot be possible made if we have no articles that will awaken us. Thank you my dear sister for with your words i decided to be back in sharing my experiences and encounter of our Lord in serving the sick. Thank you for your prayers... and may i do the good Jesus wants me to do by sharing the moment of service to the community.

Quote from bubblebatWhat are your thoughts on sharing with a patient that you are praying for them?

Spirituality does not have to be a supreme being. According to Hamric in Advanced Practice Nursing, it covers such areas as art, music and literature. It is a definition of how the patient / nurse/ whoever relates to the world and connects to others ( Hamric, 2009). ReferenceHamric, A.B. ( 2009). Advanced Practice Nursing. St. Louis, MO: Saunders-Elsevier.