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 health care 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 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 patient 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.
Key points to remember in your discussion are that many spiritual practices individuals engage in can be adopted 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.
Please remember for discussion posts: the initial post must be uploaded by the WEDNESDAY of the week and two replies to your peers by Saturday at 2359.
Please note the grading rubric for the discussion board.
As a reminder, all discussion posts must be a minimum of 250 words, references must be cited in APA format 7th Edition and must include a minimum of 2 scholarly resources published within the past 5 years.
Addressing the discomfort of the ‘new hire RN’ in discussing religion with patients who have different religious affiliations in a Catholic hospital is essential to maintain a harmonious and inclusive work environment while ensuring the delivery of holistic patient care. Here’s how, as the manager of the unit, I would address this issue:
- Open and Supportive Communication: I would schedule a private meeting with the new RN to discuss their concerns and discomfort openly. During this conversation, I would emphasize the importance of recognizing and respecting the spiritual needs of all patients, regardless of religious affiliation. I would assure them that their feelings are valid, and I’m there to support them in navigating this aspect of nursing care.
- Education and Training: To help the new RN become more comfortable with addressing spiritual needs, I would offer additional training and education on the concept of spiritual care in healthcare. This could include workshops, seminars, or access to relevant literature. It’s important to emphasize that spirituality is not limited to religious affiliations; it encompasses a broader sense of meaning, purpose, and connectedness in life.
- Promote Cultural Sensitivity: I would stress the importance of cultural sensitivity and competence in nursing care. Encouraging the new RN to learn about different belief systems, practices, and customs can help them better understand and connect with patients from diverse backgrounds. This can foster a more inclusive approach to spiritual care.
- Mentoring and Peer Support: Pairing the new RN with a mentor who has experience in providing spiritual care in a Catholic hospital setting can be beneficial. This mentor can provide guidance, share personal experiences, and offer practical tips for addressing spiritual needs while respecting patients’ diverse beliefs.
- Encourage Reflective Practice: I would encourage the new RN to engage in reflective practice, which involves self-assessment and critical thinking about their own biases and beliefs. This process can help them become more aware of their discomfort and take steps to overcome it.
- Team Collaboration: Emphasize the importance of teamwork and collaboration in patient care. Highlight that addressing spiritual needs is a collective effort, and nurses can work together to provide holistic care. Encourage open dialogue among the nursing team to share insights and strategies for addressing spiritual needs.
- Policy Review: If necessary, review and update hospital policies and guidelines related to spiritual care to ensure they reflect a more inclusive and patient-centered approach. This can provide a clear framework for all staff members to follow.
- Feedback and Evaluation: Continuously gather feedback from the new RN regarding their progress in addressing spiritual needs. Regular evaluations can help identify areas where additional support or training may be required.
In conclusion, as a nurse manager, my approach would be to create a supportive and inclusive environment where the new RN feels valued and capable of addressing the spiritual needs of patients from diverse backgrounds. By providing education, mentorship, and fostering open communication, we can ensure that all patients receive compassionate and holistic care, regardless of their religious affiliations or beliefs.