Bridging the Gap: Integrating Spirituality into Holistic Nursing Care
Spirituality as part of our assessment
Is spirituality and medicine separate? As holistic nurses, we understand that true healing transcends the physical body, delving into the mind, emotions, and spirit. Spirituality, often defined as the search for meaning, purpose, and connection, plays a crucial role in a patient’s overall well-being, especially during times of illness.
Research has shown that incorporating spirituality into healthcare can help clients make sense of their experiences, fostering a deeper understanding and acceptance of their circumstances (Hawthorne, 2020). Ignoring this aspect of care can be detrimental, leaving clients feeling isolated or overwhelmed by their illness (Ghorbani, 2021).
So, how can we include spirituality in our integrative care plans? Start by recognizing spirituality as an essential component of holistic health. Assess your clients' spiritual needs just as you would their physical, emotional, or social needs. NANDA International recognizes several nursing diagnoses related to spirituality, including "Spiritual Distress," "Readiness for Enhanced Spiritual Well-Being," and "Risk for Spiritual Distress” (Ernstmeyer, 2021)
To address these diagnoses, consider incorporating practices such as meditation, prayer and visualization into your care plans. Meditation can help clients quiet their minds, fostering a sense of inner peace and clarity. Visualization techniques can guide clients in imagining a future where they have found meaning in their illness, helping them to connect with their inner strength and resilience.
As we continue to advance holistic care, it is vital to equip ourselves with the tools and knowledge to support our clients spiritually. Join our upcoming Mindfulness Program, beginning in September, to deepen your understanding of how to integrate spirituality into your nursing practice. Together, let’s create care plans that truly honor the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.
Sign up today for our Mindfulness Program for Nurses and take the first step toward enriching your nursing practice with the transformative power of spirituality.
References:
Hawthorne DM, Gordon SC. The Invisibility of Spiritual Nursing Care in Clinical Practice. Journal of Holistic Nursing. 2020;38(1):147-155. doi:10.1177/0898010119889704
Ghorbani, M., Mohammadi, E., Aghabozorgi, R., & Ramezani, M. (2021). Spiritual care interventions in nursing: an integrative literature review. Supportive Care in Cancer, 29, 1165-1181.
Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing Fundamentals [Internet]. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2021. Table 18.4, [Common NANDA-I Nursing Diagnoses Related to Spiritual Health[]]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK591821/table/ch18spirituality.T.common_nandai_nursing/