When working with patients who are undergoing a lot of stress due to their illness or who have been confined to the hospital for several days, nurses may notice that they are seeking emotional and spiritual support in addition to their physiological concerns.
Some nurses may be confused as to how to assist people with their spiritual needs and how to address such demands.
Most nurses may also perceive that this is beyond their expertise and skills, while others may be uncomfortable dealing with it. The significance of spiritual care in nursing will be explained in this article, as well as the religious and spiritual needs of patients that nurses may encounter more frequently than they expect.
Spiritual Care in Nursing
Spirituality in health care refers to the aspect of an individual’s life that gives it sense and value. It is the belief in a higher force that can motivate courage, provide resolution, and help a person overcome physical and mental limitations.
Spiritual care is a vital component of total healthcare in nursing. While many nurses understand the importance of spirituality to their patients, they are uncertain of how to fulfill those needs.
The nurse must analyze, diagnose, and attend to the needs of each patient and their significant others in order to provide spiritual care. Physical healing, pain relief, and personal growth can all result from meeting the patient’s spiritual care needs.
Nurses who provide spiritual care report less stress and burnout as a part of their employment.
Spiritual care is an important component of holistic nursing care and is frequently covered in most nursing textbooks. To fully comprehend holistic care, nurses must first explore and understand religious, spiritual, and spirituality concepts. Nevertheless, due to fear of compromising the patient’s personal beliefs, spiritual care is often overlooked or neglected.
Furthermore, the capacity of nurses to provide spiritual care to their patients is usually hampered by their time limitations and comfort levels. To provide appropriate spiritual care, the nurse must be aware of his or her own insights of death and dying, as well as the perceptions of patients and significant others; perform a spiritual evaluation; distinguish between religious and spiritual needs; select suitable spiritual care interventions; and decide when it is acceptable to provide spiritual care to their patients.
Being conscious of one’s own belief systems is part of being a mindful nurse. The nurse will strain to provide spiritual care to his or her patient if he or she lacks self-awareness.
The nurse may use the same kind of assessments that are used with patients and families to evaluate her or his spirituality by asking herself or himself the same queries. When learning to know oneself, consider if one follows a particular religion, the basis of one’s experiences and interactions, what gives one’s life’s purpose, and the significance of these influences.
Nurses must also assess the role of these beliefs in addressing factors that affect the patient’s health. As well as figuring out what promotes calm, warmth, and connection to oneself, as well as what inspires one courage.
Nurses’ Role in Spiritual Care
Every patient has unique spiritual needs, which may or may not be associated with their religious beliefs. The patient may communicate this desire overtly or implicitly to have an enhanced spiritual well-being, and the patient or significant others may not even realize they are asking for spiritual support.
Spiritually distressed patients or their families may perceive a lack of control over their lives, a loss of hope, uncertainty, a sense of purposelessness, or a thought that they are being condemned. These remarks are not thorough, but they are representations of what nurses might hear from their patients or family members.
Regardless of how the need is conveyed, the nurse must be aware of what the patient is expressing. If the nurse is not paying attention, these words could not be interpreted as a request for spiritual assistance.
The nurse’s most crucial ability is to retain a thorough comprehension of spirituality in order to relate to a wide range of patients with various religious beliefs. In addition to these abilities, the nurse must be able to remain engaged and optimistic in order to encourage patients and their loved ones who may be facing death.
Commitment to the therapeutic connection, effective communication skills, trust, compassion, consciousness, and acceptance of broad beliefs are all necessary nursing qualities for excellent spiritual care.
The nurse engages in effective communication to both stated and unspoken messages within the therapeutic partnership.
Nurses fulfill the demands of the mind with connections and therapeutic interaction, and the needs of the body with physiological therapeutic approaches such as meds or procedures; however, nurses frequently struggle to address the requirements of the spirit.
Patients keep a positive state of mind, display beneficial behaviors such as an improvement in hope, and are more likely to engage in social connections as a result of spiritual interventions.
Spiritual care has also been shown to improve the attitude of acceptance, coping strength, reducing stress, consciousness, a stronger sense of attachment with others, understanding of others, and a more cooperative attitude, all of which can help with the healing process, pain relief, and self-development.
Nursing Interventions to Strengthen Readiness for Enhanced Spiritual Well-being
Giving patients holistic nursing care means going above and beyond to meet not just their physiological but also their emotional and spiritual demands. Nurses should consider some of the spiritual care options outlined below but take into account that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each patient is at a distinct stage of their spiritual journey, and nurses must envision what it is like to be in their position and hope for wisdom to help them in the manner they desire.
- Take the patient’s lead. Because patients are visitors to hospitals, it is necessary to let them take the lead throughout each appointment. Instead of bringing up discussions concerning church or religion, check how they are doing and what led them to the hospital. This allows patients to express themselves and communicate what is valuable to them. Give importance to the patient’s body language as well. They may try to be polite by not raising concerns when they require assistance, or they may be in an awkward circumstance that hinders them from effectively communicating how they prefer to be treated. It is necessary to address the patient’s physical needs prior to offering spiritual assistance.
- Display a God-like character. Patients should be treated with dignity and respect, which means treating them as if they are the most important person in a nurse’s life, even if they disagree with what the nurse says or how they treat the nurse at times. Nurses must smile even if they don’t feel like it, make eye contact, listen with a loving heart, and serve without expecting anything in return.
- Seek clarification with the patient about how they can be spiritually supported. One of the simplest ways to provide spiritual care is to politely ask patients how they want to be supported and nurses should do their best to comply. For instance, if the patient wishes to see a priest before having an operation, contact the local church and inquire whether the priest is available to pay a visit. Remember, however, not to promise the patient anything that the nurse is unsure about delivering. Instead of promising that a priest will arrive by 4:00 pm, the nurse should simply say that he or she will look into it and see what can be worked out.
- Assist patients within their religious tradition. The goal of spiritual care is not to convert patients to the nurse’s religion, but rather to connect them with the divine if they desire it. Displaying God’s compassion and kindness is always acceptable, but telling patients what they should believe is not. Healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, who want to remain true to their own beliefs may experience internal conflict in this area. However, nurses must do everything possible to assist patients within their religious tradition while remaining true to their conscience. For instance, when praying with non-Christian patients, ensure that the words that nurses use do not conflict with their beliefs.
- Listen to the patient’s fears and concerns without getting caught up in their own feelings. When a patient voices concerns, it is tempting for nurses to reply that they understand how they are feeling and then share a tale about one of their own experiences. Nurses must always keep in mind that they are there to help the patient, not the other way around. It is much more effective to name the emotions nurses hear patients or family members exhibiting and afterward pose a follow-up question to provide emotional and spiritual comfort. Nurses could state, for example, that they notice a lot of worry in the patient’s remarks or that they appear to be quite depressed to encourage the patient to open up. However, nurses should not be insulted if patients refuse to open up; instead, consider it a hint that the moment is not right.
- Seek clarification on whether the nurse can pray with the patient. Healthcare providers are not always certain how or when to inquire whether a patient wants prayer. If the patient is troubled, the nurse should certainly offer if they can pray for them. If the patient does not mind, the nurse may say that he or she would like to say a brief prayer for them. The word “brief” is significant because it tells the patient that even if they don’t understand what the nurse is going to say, they will probably be able to handle it since it will be brief.
- Share a Thought or Word of Encouragement. Scriptures have a wonderful ability to elevate people’s spirits and encourage them. Nurses may share one of their favorite Bible scriptures with their patients while reminding them to remain calm, take a deep breath, and accept that they are in God’s presence and that God will care for them. It is a wise idea to memorize two or three verses so that when the moment arrives, the nurse can draw from the well of spiritual thoughts that have helped them and utilize them to help others.
- Make use of the Presence and Touch. Nurses tend to say a lot of things to console people who have lost a loved one or who have a loved one who isn’t doing well. However, there are occasions when people don’t want words and simply want to know that someone cares. Merely being present can bring this care to someone who is struggling, and nurses are simply expressing God at that moment. Another thing that can assist provide this reassurance is touch, but make sure that the permission from the patient is secured beforehand.
Readiness for Enhanced Spiritual Well Being Nursing Diagnosis
Nursing Care Plan Readiness for Enhanced Spiritual Well-being 1
Perinatal loss
Nursing Diagnosis: Readiness for Enhanced Spiritual Well-being related to perceived depressing life occurrence secondary to Perinatal loss as evidenced by verbalization of acceptance and possible spiritual reasons for unexpected loss.
Desired Outcome: The patient will exhibit self-resilience, engage in usual activities, and share his or her spiritual beliefs.
| Nursing Interventions for Readiness for Enhanced Spiritual Well Being | Rationale |
| Discuss the loss with the patient or couple. | The couple may rethink their religious beliefs and feel hurt or depressed as they grieve and try to make sense of the event and recuperate without the baby. Discussing the objective findings can help the patient or couple cope more effectively with their emotions. |
| Encourage the patient or couple to talk about their feelings. | Recognize such feelings as part of the grieving process and maintain a nonjudgmental attitude while allowing the patient or couple to express their pain and disappointment. |
| Allow the patient to have some privacy and a peaceful area to pray. Assist the patient or couple with any religious rites or customs they may wish. | Religious rituals can help people find purpose in their lives and feel more connected to a higher power. |
| Be physically present with the patient and actively listen to them. | The nurse’s presence fosters trust and a sense of connection with the patient. |
| Encourage family and friends to come to visit. | A strong support system can help people cope and strengthen their spiritual beliefs. |
Nursing Care Plan Readiness for Enhanced Spiritual Well-being 2
Major Depression
Nursing Diagnosis: Readiness for Enhanced Spiritual Well-being related to a sense of unpleasant life events secondary to Major Depression as evidenced by the ability to pray, expressions of feelings of helplessness, and yearning for a spiritual source of strength.
Desired Outcome: The patient will feel connected to others as they share their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs, as well as to their inner self.
| Nursing Interventions for Readiness for Enhanced Spiritual Well Being | Rationale |
| Explore what spiritual practices have provided comfort and purpose to the patient’s life when he or she was not depressed yet. | Knowing the neglected areas in the patient’s life that, if reactivated, might add comfort and meaning to the person’s life during a stressful depression may help the patient in his or her current state. |
| Encourage the patient to keep a daily journal in which he or she can express his or her thoughts and reflections. | Writing a journal is a great approach to gaining insight into life’s significance, and it will aid the patient in identifying crucial personal issues as well as one’s thoughts and feelings about spiritual matters. |
| Communicate with the patient what has brought him or her comfort and purpose in the past. | Patients who are depressed often have a challenging time finding value in life and motivation to keep going when they are hopeless and depressed. |
| Provide comfort to the patient by holding the hand or gently placing the nurse’s hand on their shoulder, only if they are comfortable with touch. | Most patients can benefit spiritually from physical presence and touch. |
| Encourage the patient to connect with the facility’s spiritual leader. | Spiritual leaders are experienced in dealing with spiritual anguish and can offer the patient solace. |
| Provide the patient with referrals for religious or spiritual resources, such as writings, programs, recordings, or support systems, if appropriate. | When a patient is in the hospital, spiritual recordings and messages can be beneficial, but when the client is out in the community, the client may have other needs. |
Nursing Care Plan Readiness for Enhanced Spiritual Well being 3
End-of-Life or Terminal Illness
Nursing Diagnosis: Readiness for Enhanced Spiritual Well-being related to anticipated loss of physiological capacities secondary to terminal illness as demonstrated by statements of fear of the process of dying and unpleasant thoughts related to death.
Desired Outcome: The patient will gain spiritual strength and resources to help them find value and meaning in their grief and loss, as well as the ability to recognize and express emotions appropriately.
| Nursing Interventions for Readiness for Enhanced Spiritual Well Being | Rationale |
| Assist the patient and family members in developing a trusting relationship. | Trust must be formed before patients and significant others feel comfortable initiating personal lines of contact with the health care team and discussing sensitive concerns. |
| Observe the patient’s and family members’ present stages of grief and, if necessary, explain the grieving process. | Understanding the grief process might help the patient cope more effectively by reassuring them that their emotions and responses are acceptable. |
| Make the atmosphere pleasant and considerate. | It’s important to utilize active listening, encouragement, and other therapeutic communication techniques. Motivates and fosters open and honest conversation about thoughts and concerns. |
| Understand how the patient perceives death and responds to it. Determine societal expectations, acquired practices, death experiences, after-death beliefs, and belief in a higher power. | These characteristics determine how each person deals with death and how they behave and interact. |
| Assess and refer any spiritual needs or concerns to the appropriate healthcare team, such as clergy and/or a spiritual counselor. | When spiritual needs are met, such as repentance, prayer, religious readings, or rituals, they can help to alleviate spiritual distress and bring serenity. |
Nursing Care Plan Readiness for Enhanced Spiritual Well being 4
Nursing Diagnosis: Readiness for Enhanced Spiritual Well-being related to anticipated potential death secondary to Cancer as demonstrated by unpleasant thoughts related to death and alterations in usual behaviors and daily activities.
Desired Outcome: The patient will express emotions effectively, continue standard living activities, and look forward to or plan for the future one at a time.
| Nursing Interventions for Readiness for Enhanced Spiritual Well Being | Rationale |
| Accept the patient’s expressions of sorrow, frustration, and disappointment and encourage verbalization of views and worries. | Recognizing that their feelings are normal, and the realization that profound and frequently conflicting emotions are common and experienced by others in the same terrible spot may help the patient articulate his or her thoughts. |
| Frequently visit and offer physical touch as desired, or provide frequent calls as needed, depending on the circumstances. Also, make arrangements for a caregiver and a support person to remain with the patient as requested. | Reduces feelings of loneliness and abandonment of the patient. |
| Explore the patient’s past life events, role shifts, and coping mechanisms, and discuss topics that the patient is interested in. | Opportunity to uncover abilities that may aid the patient in better coping with the sadness of their current situation. |
| Support the patient in discovering important experiences and exploring reasons for living, as well as encouraging faith. | These approaches are typically used to help cancer patients achieve spiritual well-being and resilience. |
Nursing Care Plan Readiness for Enhanced Spiritual Well being 5
Dying Child
Nursing Diagnosis: Readiness for Enhanced Spiritual Well-being related to potential death of a loved one secondary to dying child as evidenced by loss of hope and statements of fear and disappointment.
Desired Outcome: The parents of the patient will be able to verbalize feelings about their grief in a spiritually meaningful way.
| Nursing Interventions for Readiness for Enhanced Spiritual Well Being | Rationale |
| Consider the state of grieving, the challenges found, and views regarding the illness’s terminal condition and the possibility of the child’s death. | When a child’s death seems imminent, the necessity for grieving varies depending on the particular members of the family. |
| Assist the parents and family members in understanding that grief is natural. | Enhances coping capacities through promoting comprehension of the grief response. |
| Limit conversations that foster guilt or resentment to the family and provide emotional and spiritual support in a receptive environment. | Provides for the emotional and spiritual needs of parents and families, assisting them in adjusting to the death of a child without introducing further burdens that are challenging to resolve. |
| Coordinate clergy, social assistance, outpatient facilities, or return home for dying patients, or support whatever the family’s preferences. | Alternative care is provided, and the family’s decision regarding the required care is supported. |
Nursing References
Ackley, B. J., Ladwig, G. B., Makic, M. B., Martinez-Kratz, M. R., & Zanotti, M. (2020). Nursing diagnoses handbook: An evidence-based guide to planning care. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon
Gulanick, M., & Myers, J. L. (2022). Nursing care plans: Diagnoses, interventions, & outcomes. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon
Ignatavicius, D. D., Workman, M. L., Rebar, C. R., & Heimgartner, N. M. (2020). Medical-surgical nursing: Concepts for interprofessional collaborative care. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon
Silvestri, L. A. (2020). Saunders comprehensive review for the NCLEX-RN examination. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Buy on Amazon
