1. Chapter 11
Spirituality

2. Objectives Define spirituality.
Explain how spirituality impacted the development of nursing.
Discuss the relationship of spirituality to current nursing practice.
Discuss spiritual needs of patients and of self.
Assess spiritual needs.
Describe interventions for providing spiritual care.
Explain the importance of spiritual health for the care giver.

3. Key Terms Interpersonal connectedness Intrapersonal connectedness
Religion
Religiosity
Secularism
Spirit
Spiritual dimension
Spiritual needs

4. Key Terms Spiritual well-being Spirituality Theism
Transpersonal connectedness
Vocation
Wholeness

5. Spirituality A cornerstone of holistic care
As a profession nursing has been strongly influenced by the religious community.
Technology and science temporarily lead nurses away from spiritual-based care.

6. Characteristics of Spirituality
Spiritual dimension
Spiritual well-being
Spiritual needs
Connectedness
Intrapersonal
Interpersonal
Transpersonal
Theism

7. Spirituality Versus Religiosity
A way of life
Denotes limitlessness
Fluid
Does not require connectedness to an institution or formal doctrine
Concerned with the individual’s personal interpretation of life
Spirituality is manifested in a variety of ways, some include religious practices.
Religiosity
Being devout
Devotion to a religion
Denotes boundaries
Solid
Defines reality and provides a sense of significance and connected through an institution or formal doctrine
Offers external, formal system of support

8. Manifestations of Individuals
Biological
Five senses
World-consciousness
Psychosocial
Intellect, emotion, will, and moral sense
Encompasses the soul, self-consciousness, and self identity
Spiritual
The core of the individual

9. Historical Developments
Priests were healers in ancient times.
Religious communities influenced:
Development of hospitals
Organized nursing
Profession
Vocation
Nursing education
Technology and science lead health care in the direction of secularism.
Contemporary health care providers recognize the importance of science, technology, and spirituality.

10. Contemporary Views of Spirituality
Western perspective
Eastern perspective

11. Expressions of Spirituality
Relationship with God (a divine being) or connectedness
Need for meaning and purpose
Values and forgiveness
Love, belonging, and hope

12. Spiritual Well-Being
Spiritual well-being is dependent upon one’s ability to fulfill spiritual needs.
Factors influencing spiritual well-being
Developmental age
Culture

13. Offering Spiritual Care
Begin with a spiritual assessment.
A challenge in the busy world of health care
Timing; priorities must be established
Rapport
Data collection
Observation
Clinical history
Formal spiritual assessment tool

14. Recognizing Spiritual Concerns
Response
Spiritual distress
Risk for spiritual distress
Etiology
Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
Separation from religious practices

15. Offering Spiritual Care
Therapeutic use of self
Listening
Taking time to get to know the patient
Therapeutic communication
Recognize personal values that may interfere with providing appropriate spiritual care.
Avoid stereotyping.
Use culturally sensitive terminology when providing spiritual care.
Include the family and significant others.

16. Enhancing Spiritual Well-Being
Empathy and touch
Prayer and scripture
Interdisciplinary support
Anticipatory guidance and emotional support

17. Expected Outcomes
Expressions of hope, faith, meaning/purpose, and love
Spiritual well-being
Participation in spiritual rites, meditation, prayer, and spiritual readings
Spiritual health does not require physical health.

18. Spiritual Health of the Nurse
The nurse’s spiritual and physical health impact care provided.
Health requires refreshment and renewal.
Spiritual health is best maintained through conscious, goal directed activities and a commitment to care for oneself.