Abstract
Spirituality involves actions and attitudes based on the belief there is a supreme being and hope even when faced with challenges. The incorporation of spirituality in the provision of nursing care facilitates the improvement the patients’ emotional, social and psychological health. This helps them in coping with the challenges associated with their ailments. Though this is a concept supported by most nurses and patients, it has not been effectively incorporated in nurse training. Its effectiveness relies on the nurses’ ability to understand ad apply this concept. The paper explores a research study carried out to determine nurses’ understanding and view on spiritual care.
Key words: spirituality, spiritual care.
Introduction
The provision of nursing care has seen the incorporation of various concepts aimed at improving the treatment and care of patients. These concepts aim at ensuring maintenance of the quality of life. Among these, is the incorporation of spiritual care in nursing. Royal Nursing College (2013) defines spiritual care as the provision of patient care which recognizes, understands and caters for spiritual needs of patients. This occurs in reference to challenges of ill-health, trauma and sadness when coping with medical conditions. In such cases, spiritual care is vital in supporting patients and encouraging them to be strong.
Article summary
An article by McSherry (2010) provides evidence-based insight into the concept of spirituality and its application in the provision of nursing care. Healthcare and religious practices have interacted throughout history; this is evident through the provision of care for the sick, social outcasts and dying people by religious communities. The incorporation of spirituality in nursing does not only provide for physical, but also the social, emotional and psychological needs. Controversial media information reveals cases where nurses provide inappropriate spiritual care; this shades light on the aspect of boundaries between personal beliefs and professional practice by nurses. RCN conducted a survey to determine the nurses’ understanding of the concept, and whether they consider it an effective part of patient care. This survey also sought to determine the extent of support spirituality receives in healthcare institutions.
The findings revealed a willingness by nurses to embrace spiritual care as a fundamental aspect of nursing care. Nurses with differences in specialties, roles and qualifications responded positively to the need to incorporate this care in the overall provision of patient care. In their opinion, catering for the spiritual needs of patients has an effect on their overall health. Though open to the concept, many felt hesitant to handle spiritual issues; most of them suggested the need for further educational preparation and guidance on the application of the concept.
Educational provisions in nurse training facilities do not offer this training; there is more focus on practical care. The findings highlighted the need to build up on nursing roles with regard to spiritual care provision. This can be done by enquiring form patients on their views on spirituality and the spiritual care they expect. It also showed a deficiency in the relationship between spiritual care and other aspects such as; cultural and psychological dimensions.
Critical evaluation
The article bases its arguments on a research study carried out by nursing professionals in the Royal College of Nursing. It effectively introduces and explores the concept of spirituality and its relationship to the provision of patient care. The author uses his experience and knowledge in the field to explore vast resources in the provision of a historical overview and current perception of the concept. This systematically highlights the changes and aspects that remain constant.
Through the use of valid arguments, the article provides information on nurse willingness to incorporate this concept into their practice but, lack of confidence and education on how to approach the matter. It further provides evidence on media coverage criticizing the use of spiritual care.
It explores the survey in a progressive manner; outlining and providing adequate information for each section. The context, research questions, methods, piloting, ethical provisions, samples, data analysis and computation of the findings support the purpose of the study. It expresses effective planning and execution of the research study aimed at providing valid and reliable information. This is evident through the use of descriptive qualitative and quantitative data. The incorporation of first hand information and comprehensive analysis of the findings occurs through the use of carefully structured questionnaires and other forms of data collection. This ensures acquisition of adequate data from the target population.
In my opinion, the article succeeds in exploring the concept of spirituality in nursing. Through the information it provides, various stakeholders in the healthcare system such as; government, regulatory bodies, leaders, doctors, nurses and patients understand the benefits of spiritual care and their role in promoting overall wellbeing of patients.
Intended audience
This article provides information relevant for healthcare administrators and other stakeholders. Most importantly, it is crucial for the promotion of better nurse performance in various aspects (RCN, 2013).
According to Rieg et al. (2006), rehabilitation nurses require these skills due to the long durations spent with patients during recovery. The patients have special needs and the provision of relevant spiritual support helps them in finding hope and coping with challenges such as; depression, anxiety and frustration.
Registered Nurses have flexible duties enabling them to work with; children, senior citizens, and terminally ill patients. They also have a responsibility of providing education, advice and emotional support to patients and their families. In order to carry out these duties effectively, they need skills in spiritual care; this enables them to show understanding and provide support and hope (RCN, 2013).
Licensed Vocational Nurses carry out activities such as assessment, medicine administration, taking of vital signs and changing dressing. These activities make them spend long hours around patients thus interact more with them. Their role in the provision of hope and support relies on spiritual care knowledge.
Nurse students train to become nurses at various levels. Some join; home healthcare, public health, midwifery and other sectors. All these career opportunities involve interaction with patients. Incorporation of spiritual care education equips them with the skills to help patients, and their families cope with various ailments (RCN, 2013). BSN nurses have advanced skills in the provision of patient care. Knowledge on the concept of spiritual care boosts their ability to use advanced skills and experiences in improving patient care.
Recommendations
The incorporation of spiritual care into healthcare provision can be made effective through focus on various factors (Rieg et al. 2006). These are recommendations on why the article and practice of spiritual care should be incorporated into the system.
First and foremost, there should be development of a range of educational and practical resources for nurses and other staff members who come in contact with patients. This is in reference to the findings that though most nurses accommodate the concept they lack the professional skills to apply it in their practice. Training programs will equip them with skills of understanding and catering for the patients’ spiritual needs.
Collaboration and liaison between healthcare providers and other organizations should occur to increase the efforts in catering for spiritual needs of patients. Through this, relevant funds, materials, and support will help in making nurses adapt to spiritual care provision (Rieg et al. 2006).
The incorporation of spiritual care should solicit support from the patients, their loved ones and the community at large. Involvement of patients will help the administration in understanding their views on spirituality; this facilitated catering for their needs. This improves on service provision and promotion of quality life for all.
There should be the development of a debriefing sheet outlining the roles of organizations and parties involved in providing this spiritual guidance and support. Such documents outline the roles of responsible parties and limits to prevent controversial cases of provision of inappropriate spiritual care.
Conclusion
The concept of spiritual care explores the social, emotional and psychological wellbeing of patients. This goes a long way in facilitating motivation and the courage to go through treatment plans with hope and strength. According to Rieg et al. (2006), the provision of relevant education and practical guidelines on how to provide competent spiritual care boosts the confidence and performance of nurses in various levels.
Reference
McSherry, W. (2010). RCN Spirituality Survey 2010: A report by the Royal College of Nursing on members’ views on spirituality and spiritual care. Royal College of Nursing.
Royal College of Nursing. (2013). Spirituality in Nursing Care: A pocket guide, Retrieved May 13, 2013 from http://www.rcn.org.uk/_data/assets/pdf_file/0008/372995/003887.pdf
Rieg, L. S., Mason, C. H., and Preston, K. (2006). Spiritual Care: Practical guidelines for rehabilitation nurses. Rehabilitation Nursing, Vol. 31(6), Retrieved May 13. 2013 from http://www.rehabhouse.org/pdf/RNC_264.pdf
