Spirituality

1
Spirituality

• N1037

2
Introduction

• There are many proposed links between
  spirituality and such outcomes as
• Quality of life
• General health status
• Abilities to find meaning and to cope with
  difficult situations
• Abilities to deal with death and dying issues.

3
Spirituality and Religion

• Spirituality A concern for the meaning and
  purpose of life.
• Religion an organized system of beliefs usually
  centred on the worship of a supernatural force or
  being
• Rituals
• Faith
• Dogma
• Codes of ethics

4
Spirituality and Religion
Religion
Spirituality
5
Spiritual TheoryKey Terms

• God
• Prayer
• Monotheistic religions
• Polytheistic religions
• Sin
• Heretic
• Schismatic
• Cult
• Soul
• Spirit

• Atheist
• Agnostic
• Pagan
• Animism
• New Age
• Pantheism
• Reincarnation
• Heaven
• Nirvana

6
Holistic Health and Spirituality

• Canadians come from a range of religions, each
  having their specific spiritual tenets, rites and
  rituals, and views on health and illness.
• Spiritual well-being
• Spiritual distress

7
Religions and Health Care Judaism

• Nursing Implications?

8
Religions and Health Care Islam

• Nursing Implications

9
Religions and Health Care Roman Catholic

• Nursing Implications

10
Religions and Health Care Protestant

• Nursing Implications

11
Religions and Health Care Jehovahs Witness

• Nursing Implications

12
Religions and Health Care Native

• Nursing Implications

13
Role of the Nurse in Spiritual Care

• Spiritual assessment
• Physical history, psychological history, then
  spiritual history
• Ask about advance directive
• Ask about organ donation
• Ask about spiritual or religious beliefs that may
  affect health care

14
Role of the Nurse in Spiritual Care

• Observe for clues about spiritual beliefs
• Ask who should be notified in event of change in
  condition, including religious organization or
  leader
• If needed, ask additional questions to ascertain
  beliefs

15
Signs of Spiritual Distress

• Crying, sighing, withdrawn behavior
• Questioning spiritual beliefs
• Statements of worthlessness, hopelessness, or
  death
• Statements about Gods purpose
• Requests for spiritual assistance

16
Nurses Role in Care

• Listen actively
• Provide an empathetic, warm, interested response
  to patients concerns
• Show respect for patients spiritual beliefs
• Give patient and family permission and
  opportunity to practice religion and spirituality
• Refer to hospital chaplain or patients spiritual
  leader

17
Nursing Actions to Avoid

• Do not attempt to proselytize patient to your
  own spiritual beliefs
• Do not instruct patient in religious or spiritual
  doctrine
• Do not serve as a spiritual advisor
• Do not use clichés

18
Points to Ponder

• To pray or not pray with a client?
• Abortion Issues
• Blood products or organ donations?
• Particularly for children

19
References

• Estes, M.E., (2006). Health Assessment and
  Physical Examination. (3rd edition). Clifton
  Park,NewYork Thomson Delmar Leaning.