Chapter 6: Spiritual Issues

1 UNDERSTANDING OF SPIRITUALITY

Aspects of spirituality:
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Forgiveness
Peace
Trust
Fear
Alienation
Hope
Love

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Grief
Transcendence
Discovery
Meaning
Purpose
Relationship
Gratitude

Spirit: not something strictly physical, that gives life, depth, and meaning to
existence
o Making sense of life; with hopes, plans, and fears
o The sum total of intellectual and cultural possessions
o How people attempt to bring meaning to their lives apart from a
religious community or an understanding of god
Theistic View: spirituality in relation to a transcendent spirit
o Creation story of the three largest monotheistic religions
o Human lives inspired by a supreme being
o Gratitude for basic existence
Humanistic View: people attempt to bring meaning in their lives apart from a
religious community or understanding of god
o Emphasis on human spirit
Sick Religiosity: a sense of exclusiveness and absolutism; negative
experiences with someone or religious institution that may have been painful
or dehumanizing
Being: self-respect and self-acceptance
Belonging: being a part of a supportive, accepting group
Belief: ones mission, vision, and purpose
Benevolence: desire to do good to others; exhibited by individuals who have
experienced need

2 NURSES INTERVENTIONS

Five things regarding spiritual care:

o Take a spiritual history
o Support and show respect for the patients beliefs
o Pray with the patient if the nurse is comfortable doing so and if the
patient wants and requests it
o Provide spiritual care by being kind, gentle, sensitive, and
compassionate
o Refer to pastoral care
Four concepts to discuss with patients: HOPE
o Sources of hope, strength, comfort, peace, and love
o Role of organized religion for the patient
o Personal spirituality and practices
o Effects on medical care and end of life issues
FICA:
o Faith: what is your faith tradition?
o Importance: how important is your faith to you?
o Church/community: what is your church or community of faith?
o Address: how might we address your spiritual needs?

3 USING CLERGY RESOURCES

Community clergy are usually not trained to address psychiatric patients

Have a clinically trained professional chaplain as a component of the health
care team
Patients with spiritual concerns should be referred to a clinically trained
spiritual care professional; this person should be part of an interdisciplinary
health care team