The challenge of spiritual care in a multi-faith society experienced as a Christian nurse

Background.  Understanding the spiritual dimension of holistic nursing care is arguably regaining its centrality in the assessment of patient well being in whatever area of care. However it is argued that we are still far from having a universal agreement as to what is meant by the concept of spirit...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of clinical nursing 2004-02, Vol.13 (2), p.136-142
Main Authors: Fawcett, Tonks N., Noble, Amy
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Background.  Understanding the spiritual dimension of holistic nursing care is arguably regaining its centrality in the assessment of patient well being in whatever area of care. However it is argued that we are still far from having a universal agreement as to what is meant by the concept of spirituality. Aims and objectives.  This paper aims to explore some of the definitions and models of spirituality and determine what is meant by spiritual needs. Taking the perspective of a Christian nurse, the potential tension between the nature of spiritual care and evidence‐based professionalism is explored. Conclusion.  The exploration reveals the challenges faced by a nurse who wishes to administer this spiritual care and holds a personal commitment to the Christian faith. Relevance to clinical practice.  Acknowledging and debating the challenge of spiritual care is arguably the first step towards meeting optimally this need in our patients. The dilemma that may need to be further explored within the context of nursing care is how a nurse, holding and operating within one particular belief (e.g. Christianity) can offer the ideal of spiritual care to patients who hold other, quite different beliefs.
ISSN:0962-1067
1365-2702
DOI:10.1046/j.1365-2702.2003.00870.x