History Of Nursing Shows That Spirituality Has Been Well

The history of nursing shows that spirituality has been well documented

The history of nursing shows that spirituality has been well-documented. Currently, in addition to the fundamental practice of offering spiritual care in nursing, there are standards mandated by the Joint Commission, the American Nurses Association, and other organizations. 1. Describe your personal spiritual philosophy in general terms and how you apply it to your nursing practice. 2. Talk about the theoretical or scriptural foundations supporting your philosophy and practice. 3. Give at least two instances of how you rendered spiritual care, along with the client's reaction and how relaxed you felt during your interventions or actions. Document this assignment in a 2 page word document including at least 4 articles published in the last 5 years.

Paper For Above instruction

Nursing has historically integrated spiritual care as an essential component of holistic patient care. My personal spiritual philosophy centers on compassion, empathy, and respect for each individual's spiritual beliefs and needs. I believe that every patient is a whole person—body, mind, and spirit—and that addressing spiritual well-being can significantly promote overall healing and comfort. In my nursing practice, I strive to create a supportive environment where patients feel safe to express their spiritual concerns and find comfort through their faith or spiritual practices.

My spiritual philosophy is rooted in the principles of human dignity and the intrinsic worth of each person. I believe that by acknowledging and respecting patients' spiritual beliefs, I can foster a trusting nurse-patient relationship, which is vital for effective care. For example, when caring for patients of different faiths or spiritual backgrounds, I actively listen and incorporate their spiritual practices into their care plans where possible. This approach aligns with the standards set by organizations such as the Joint Commission, which emphasizes the importance of spiritual assessment and care.

The theoretical foundations supporting my practice include models such as Puchalski's Spiritual Care Model and the Religious/Spiritual Assessment Framework. Puchalski (2013) emphasizes spiritual well-being as a critical aspect of holistic health and advocates for incorporating spiritual assessments into routine care. The scriptural basis I draw upon comes from various faith traditions that highlight compassion, service, and healing—principles that guide my interactions with patients. For instance, the Christian principle of loving one's neighbor inspires me to approach each patient with kindness and empathy, regardless of their spiritual background.

I recall two particular instances where I provided spiritual care that significantly impacted the patients involved. The first involved a terminally ill patient of the Christian faith who expressed a desire for prayer and scripture reading. I respected their wishes by gathering a chaplain and facilitating a prayer session, which visibly alleviated their anxiety and brought them peace. During this intervention, I felt a sense of connection and purpose, reaffirming the importance of spiritual care in holistic nursing.

The second example involved a Muslim patient who requested the opportunity to perform prayers. I coordinated with the care team to provide a clean space and a prayer rug, honoring their spiritual practice within the hospital setting. The patient expressed gratitude, and I observed a decrease in their stress levels. During these interventions, I felt a profound sense of fulfillment and relaxation, knowing I had supported the patient's spiritual needs, contributing to their overall sense of well-being.

Research supports the positive impact of spiritual care in nursing. A study by Koenig (2018) highlights that spiritual interventions can reduce anxiety and improve coping mechanisms among patients facing serious illnesses. Another recent article by Puchalski et al. (2020) emphasizes the importance of integrating spiritual assessments into clinical practice to promote holistic care. These studies reinforce my beliefs that spiritual care is not only beneficial for patients but also enriching for nurses, fostering deeper connections and professional fulfillment.

In conclusion, my personal spiritual philosophy centers on compassionate, respectful, and holistic care rooted in biblical and theoretical principles. Applying this philosophy enhances my nursing practice by addressing patients' spiritual needs, fostering trust, and promoting healing. The instances I have described demonstrate how attentive spiritual care can positively influence patient outcomes and deepen the nurse-patient relationship. Ongoing education and awareness of spiritual care's importance remain vital for advancing holistic nursing practice in alignment with current standards and research.

References

  • Koenig, H. G. (2018). Spirituality and health: What we know and what we need to learn. In G. Benor (Ed.), Role of spirituality in health and healing (pp. 45-68).
  • Puchalski, C. M., et al. (2020). A global perspective on spiritual care in health systems. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 23(3), 377-382.
  • Puchalski, C. M. (2013). Spirituality in health care: The challenge or the answer? Journal of Palliative Medicine, 16(3), 252-254.
  • American Nurses Association. (2021). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. ANA Publications.
  • Joint Commission. (2022). Standards for spiritual care in health care organizations. The Joint Commission.
  • Justin, M., & Kim, K. (2019). The role of spiritual care in nursing practice. Nursing Outlook, 67(4), 408-414.
  • Smith, L., & Larson, M. (2021). Integrating spiritual assessments in clinical practice. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 39(2), 180-186.
  • Wilson, A., & Smith, A. (2020). Effects of spiritual interventions on patient well-being. Nursing Clinics of North America, 55(4), 531-543.
  • Lee, J., & Park, S. (2019). Spiritual care: Strategies for implementing in nursing practice. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 75(5), 1014-1023.
  • Johnson, R., & Williams, H. (2022). The impact of spiritual care training on nursing professionals. Journal of Nursing Education, 61(1), 35-42.