The dynamic holistic view of the human individual as a biological, psychological, social, and spiritual being is the foundation of most nursing theories (Puchalski, Lunsford, Harris, & miller, 2006). Integral in these models of care is the recognition that the client is more than their physical being (Puchalski et al., 2006). To ensure the patient and family receive the most compassionate, comprehensive care, the consideration of spirituality is essential (Puchalski et al., 2006). According to Govier 2000, spirituality effects and embraces all that we are and do. Addressing spirituality is necessary to provide the experience of holistic care (Noto, 2006). It is imperative to attend to the spiritual dimension of the client in order to deliver …show more content…
Although, there are many ways to define spirituality and spiritual care, a commonality seems to exist across spectrums, maintaining spirituality as the ultimate meaning of life; the desire to live life at a deeper level (Puchalski et al., 2006). Spirituality is an essential component to healthcare (Puchalski et al., 2006). As part of establishing a sound therapeutic relationship, nurses must understand what is meaningful and empowering for their clients (Ameling & Povilonis, 2001).
Spiritual nursing is distinguished by the direction of care to the inner core of the being (Noto, 2006). The delivery of spiritual care is that which is beyond the physical care of a person’s body, to the recognition of a patient as a unique life system (Noto, 2006). This ability to connect with a patient on a human-to-human level is what characterizes spiritual care (Noto, 2006). The nurses’ ability to see beyond the patient status and connect with the patient as another human, is what spiritual nursing and nursing care through the extension of self is all about (Ameling & Povilonis,
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Protocols need to be established and made systematic in order to decrease the dismal of spiritual practices in favor of mainstream alternatives. Nurses need to be better educated and aware of the range of spiritual care activities that are available and the ease at which they can be administered (Cavendish et al., 2013). The complexity and abstractness that accompanies the spiritual care process should not deter from the profound benefit of spiritual care to holistic health (Nixon et al., 2013).
Client- centered care is not truly being provided amidst omission of spiritual needs. It is important that health care providers, especially nurses, assess spiritual needs just as they would physiological needs, if the health care system wishes to adopt a truly holistic approach. The importance of client-centered care will continue to be lost if health care continues to focus so limitedly on the physical