This assignment should be a minimum of 3 pages (not counting the reference page and cover page)- ensure you adhere to APA formatting.
Reference Page
25% of total result
Excellent
Utilizes at least 4 sources and all sources are current within 5 years. Cited following APA format.
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Health Promotion in Practice
Since the time of Florence Nightingale, nurses have recognized that they address the spiritual needs of their patients, but this still remains one of the most nebulous aspects of nursing care. When asked about providing spiritual care, most nurses know that they “do it,” but they have difficulty describing what “it” is. Even though major nursing and healthcare organizations emphasize the importance of nurses addressing the spiritual needs of patients, assessment questions are usually limited to obtaining information about a patient’s religious affiliation. Similarly, interventions often focus on initiating referrals to chaplains or other spiritual advisors for patients who have a religious affiliation. This approach may be adequate for some patient care situations, but it does not necessarily address the need for a spiritual connectedness that all humans experience. This chapter focuses on relatively simple actions that nurses can incorporate as an integral part of usual nursing care to identify and address the spiritual needs of their patients.
It is important to become comfortable discussing the spiritual needs of patients because all humans have spiritual needs even though they may not identify with a religion.
Let us consider the following scenario:
You are a nurse manager working in a Catholic hospital, and you have been told by some of your nurses that the ‘new hire RN’ feels uncomfortable discussing religion with their patients because they do not have any religious affiliation.
Discuss how you would as the MANAGER of the unit, address their discomfort, and ensure they still feel a part of the team even if their religious affiliations are not the same as that of the institution. How can the manager’s attitude and handling of this situation promote diversity, and inclusivity, and prevent bullying in the workplace? Why is this important within the nursing profession?
Key points to remember in your discussion are that many spiritual practices individuals engage in can be adapted to multiple scenarios and it is important to develop an inquisitive and open-minded approach when you listen to patients and colleagues talk about their religious practices.
This assignment is to be submitted as an essay- with an introduction, questions developed at the graduate level, and a conclusion to summarize and synthesize key points. APA must be strictly followed. References should be utilized to validate answers. This assignment should be a minimum of 3 pages (not counting the reference page and cover page)- ensure you adhere to APA formatting.
Introduction
Spiritual care is a fundamental aspect of holistic nursing, yet it remains one of the most challenging elements to define and implement effectively. Nurses, regardless of their personal religious affiliations, must navigate the complexities of addressing patients’ spiritual needs. In a setting like a Catholic hospital, these challenges can be amplified. This essay explores strategies for a nurse manager to address the discomfort of a new hire RN who is uneasy discussing religion with patients. It highlights the importance of fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive work environment while ensuring comprehensive patient care.
Addressing Discomfort with Religion
As a nurse manager, the first step in addressing the new hire RN’s discomfort is to acknowledge their feelings and provide reassurance. Open communication is crucial. Invite the new nurse to discuss their concerns in a safe and non-judgmental setting. Emphasize that the goal of spiritual care is to support patients’ overall well-being, which includes but is not limited to religious practices. Highlight that many patients may have spiritual needs that do not align strictly with religious affiliations, and the nurse’s role is to support these needs respectfully.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusivity
To foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity, it is essential to create an environment where all team members feel valued and respected, regardless of their religious beliefs. This can be achieved through:
- Education and Training: Provide ongoing education on cultural and spiritual competencies. Training sessions can help all staff members understand the diverse spiritual and religious needs of patients. This education should emphasize the distinction between spiritual care and religious care, highlighting that spiritual care can include emotional support, listening, and empathy.
- Team-Building Activities: Facilitate team-building activities that celebrate diversity and encourage mutual respect among staff members. These activities can help build strong, supportive relationships within the team, reducing feelings of isolation for the new hire.
- Mentorship Programs: Pair the new RN with a more experienced nurse who can offer guidance and support. This mentor can help the new nurse navigate conversations about spirituality with patients in a way that aligns with their comfort level and the hospital’s values.
- Inclusive Policies: Ensure that the hospital’s policies explicitly promote diversity and inclusivity. Policies should protect staff from discrimination and bullying based on religious beliefs or lack thereof. Reinforce these policies regularly and ensure they are reflected in the hospital’s practices.
Preventing Bullying and Promoting Respect
A respectful and inclusive workplace culture is vital to prevent bullying and ensure all staff feel supported. As a nurse manager, it is essential to model respectful behavior and set clear expectations for the team. Address any instances of bullying or discrimination immediately and appropriately. Foster an environment where staff feel comfortable reporting concerns without fear of retaliation.
Importance within the Nursing Profession
Promoting diversity and inclusivity is not only a matter of ethical practice but also enhances the quality of patient care. A diverse and inclusive workforce can better understand and meet the varied needs of a diverse patient population. When nurses feel respected and valued, their job satisfaction and performance improve, leading to better patient outcomes.
In the nursing profession, addressing spiritual needs is part of holistic care. Ensuring that nurses can provide this care without compromising their personal beliefs is crucial. By fostering a supportive environment, nurse managers can help all staff members feel confident and competent in delivering comprehensive care.
Conclusion
Addressing the spiritual needs of patients is an integral part of nursing care, requiring sensitivity, respect, and inclusivity. As a nurse manager, it is essential to support new hires who may feel uncomfortable discussing religion, ensuring they feel part of the team and respected for their beliefs. Promoting diversity and inclusivity within the workplace not only enhances team cohesion but also improves patient care. By creating a supportive and respectful environment, nurse managers can uphold the values of holistic nursing and ensure that all patients receive the spiritual care they need.
References
- American Nurses Association. (2020). Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice (4th ed.). Silver Spring, MD: American Nurses Association.
- Baldacchino, D. (2015). Spiritual care in nursing practice: A new approach. Springer.
- Chism, L. A. (2019). The Doctor of Nursing Practice: A Guidebook for Role Development and Professional Issues (4th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- Puchalski, C. M., Vitillo, R., Hull, S. K., & Reller, N. (2014). Improving the spiritual dimension of whole person care: Reaching national and international consensus. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 17(6), 642-656.