In this paper, I will define religion and spirituality. Also, I will describe the differences between the religion and spirituality and my personal thoughts on organized religion and spirituality. I will also discuss the application of spirituality in holistic nursing care. Furthermore, I will discuss the spiritual assessment tool that I believe is most helpful with holistic nursing care and my comfort level with administering the spiritual assessment tool. I will also discuss nursing interventions that will address the spiritual needs of patients. Merriam-Webster (n.d.) defines religion as “the belief in a god or a group of gods; an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods; an interest, …show more content…
Without the nurse having a spiritual base, they may treat others with bias, instead of with love, respect, or acceptance; patients, families, and co-workers can feel these biases. Regardless of the nurse’s personal beliefs, it is essential to be open to lending a helping hand for those who are in spiritual distress. This helping hand does not mean that the nurse must pray or take part in a ritual in which they are uncomfortable. Instead, they should be a shoulder to cry on or a hand to hold in times of stress and trauma. Leaving a patient alone in their pain is unkind when a simple gesture from their nurse can heal spiritual …show more content…
How do you beliefs Apply to your health? Are you Involved in a church or faith community? How do your spiritual views affect your views about Treatment? How can I Help you with any spiritual concerns? (Barnes, 2016)
These questions are non-denominational and can be applied to every patient. The patient population of today, as studies have shown, believe in God at approximately 91 percent, versus the 64 percent of physicians who believe in God (Anandarajah & Hight, 2001, p. 81). With these numbers, it is apparent that patients would welcome a treatment plan that includes a spiritual element. It may fall to the nursing staff to provide the spiritual care that the physicians are unable or unwilling to engage. Koenig (2004) discovered:
Not only were religious beliefs and practices associated with significantly less depression and faster recovery from depression (60 of 93 studies), lower suicide rates (57 of 68), less anxiety (35 of 69), and less substance abuse (98 of 120), they were also associated with greater well-being, hope, and optimism (91 of 114), more purpose and meaning in life (15 of 16), greater marital satisfaction and stability (35 of 38), and higher social support (19 of 20). (p.