Introduction to Critical Care Nursing

Spirituality

When you think of spirituality what comes to mind? Did you immediately think about religious beliefs or a higher power? The concept of spiritual health is so much more than participating in an organized religion. Spiritual health is defined by Como (2007, p. 226) as “a connectedness with self, others and the sacred that transcends and empowers the self”. Spirituality is not a religion and is directly affected by illness and stress. As health declines, spiritual need may increase. Spirituality practices or rituals give people a sense of belonging and meaning. They may find hope and strength in their spiritual beliefs and as such, it should be included in their holistic care plan.

As a means of understanding a patient’s spirituality (and their family’s) a nurse needs to recognize their own bias surrounding spirituality and Faith practices. Many nurses avoid discussions regarding spirituality because of a level of discomfort surrounding the topic. Approaching a patient and their family about their spiritual health needs from a position of interest and inquiry, without judgment is ideal.

Some of the goals for guiding discussion around spiritual health include:

Inviting patients to share their spiritual beliefs and values

• Do you (or your loved one) have any spiritual or religious practices that you would like us to consider while you are in hospital?
• That’s very interesting and something I don’t know very much about. Can you tell me more?
• Do you have a spiritual advisor or Faith leader that you would like me to contact for you?
• Do you have any dietary practices that you would like us to be aware of?
• Do your spiritual or religious beliefs include any directions for how your personal care should be carried out. For example: persons of the same gender must provide personal care, hair is to remain covered, hair is not to be cut.