WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF SPIRITUAL CARE? PHI 413
WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF SPIRITUAL CARE? PHI 413
Topic 5 DQ 1
What is your definition of spiritual care? How does it differ or accord with the description given in the topic readings? Explain.
Replies
According to Timmins & Caldeira (2017), NANDA International, formerly known as North American Nursing Diagnosis Association, describes the definition of spiritual distress as “a state of suffering related to the impaired ability to experience meaning in life through connections of with self, others, the world, or a superior being” (p. 48, as cited in Herdman & Kamitsuru, 2014). My personal definition of spiritual care is providing care for patients to help them regain their centeredness in their uniqueness of being, meaning, purpose, belonging, and love. Spiritual care is achieved by attending to and restoring a patient’s inner spirit and soul through their “emotions, thoughts, feelings, desires, and will” (Evans, 2020, para. 4). According to my definition of spiritual care, I believe it is in accord with Christian spiritual care by fostering relationships that nurture the spirit, offering a compassionate presence, and assisting in the effort to find meaning in the face of suffering, illness, and death.
References
Evans, K. A. (2020). Intervention, ethical decision-making, and spiritual care. In Practicing dignity: An introduction to Christian values and decision making in health care. Grand Canyon University. https://lc.gcumedia.com/phi413v/practicing-dignity-an-introduction-to-christian-values-and-decision-making-in-health-care/v1.1/#/chapter/5
Herdman TH, Kamitsuru S (Eds) (2014) NANDA International Nursing Diagnoses: Definitions and Classification. 2015-2017. Tenth edition. Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford.
Timmins, F., & Caldeira, S. (2017). Assessing the spiritual needs of patients. Nursing Standard (2014+), 31(29), 47. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.7748/ns.2017.e10312
Valery Ndonku
replied toTara Indrieri
Jan 28, 2022, 9:01 PM
· Replies to Tara Indrieri
Hi Tara,
I really enjoyed reading your topic 5 DQ 1 discussion post on spiritual care and how one’s own understanding differs from how the discussion topic has been presented in the topic readings. I think that you did an excellent job especially by introducing the concept of spiritual distress and how it may cause untold suffering to our patients. I do agree that providing spiritual care for our patients especially those experiencing spiritual distress significantly improves both the patient’s care experience and outcome.
· Kimberly Martin
replied toTara Indrieri
Jan 28, 2022, 10:28 PM
- Replies to Tara Indrieri
Hi Tara,
I liked your response to this weeks discussion question. In your post you discussed the importance of offering a compassionate presence, that can help assist our patients in finding the meaning as they face illness, suffering, and death. No matter how busy we are as nurses, we must foster a relationship with our patients by showing empathy and kindness, and using compassionate touch, and take the time during our busy workday to develop a trusting relationship with our patients (Aagard et al., 2018). Nurses must also take the time to listen to our patients health and spiritual concerns so we can deliver or collaborate with the appropriate team members to provide the holistic care that is needed and deserved to help alleviate their suffering.
Reference
Aagard, M., Papadopoulos, I., Biles, J., (January 26, 2018) “Exploring Compassion in U.S. Nurses: Results from an International Research Study” OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing Vol. 23, No. 1.
Stacy Morris
Posted Date
Jan 27, 2022, 12:52 AM
Replies to Tara Indrieri
Spiritual care provides compassionate dignified care both physically and spiritually, treating the body, mind, and spirit. All humans have spirituality, whether they recognize it or not. Their spirituality is the essence of who they are, their inner self, and their purpose in life. My spiritual beliefs are based on my Christian beliefs that all humans are created in the image of God, by God. Each person has inherent worth and must be treated with respect, compassion, and dignity. Spiritual interventions regarding their beliefs, values, and needs are a vital part of patient care. A spirituality assessment is a key to finding out their beliefs, wants, and needs as a practitioner. I am not knowledgeable on all worldview beliefs, and it is imperative to research and discuss their needs. “Spirituality affects every aspect of a person’s life, so offering emotional and spiritual care support should be an important focus for all health care providers” (Evans, 2020)
Reference:
Evans, Keith A. (2020). Intervention, ethical decision-making, and spiritual care. In Grand Canyon University [GCU]. Practicing Dignity: An introduction to Christian values and decision making in healthcare. (ch.5). https://lc.gcumedia.com/phi413v/practicing-dignity-an-introduction-to-christian-values-and-decision-making-in-health-care/v1.1/#/chapter/5
