Discourses of spirituality and leadership in nursing: a mixed methods analysis

Abstract

To explore nursing discourses of spirituality and leadership. Global migration has brought unprecedented plurality to modern societies, and spirituality and religion into the purview of nurse leaders. An innovative mixed methods approach, including a literature review, qualitative research and philosophic analysis, was utilized to examine discourses of spirituality in contexts of nursing leadership. After a literature synthesis protocol, 38 nursing literature sources were reviewed. Two qualitative studies examining plurality in hospital and home health settings provided data from 13 nurse leaders. Philosophic inquiry added further depth and uncovered important underlying assumptions. Integrated analysis revealed a heterogeneous discourse in the nursing literature. Nurse leaders in the qualitative study evidenced awareness of the influence of spirituality and concern for inclusive health services, yet were cautious in integrating spirituality into leadership practices because of organisational and social influences. Assumptions regarding the role of leaders' spiritual values and the integration of spirituality into the workplace were revealed. Spirituality in nursing leadership is a relatively understudied field that is influenced by many contextual factors. Scholarly engagement and research are needed to analyse the grounds for and appropriate approaches to the integration of spirituality in nursing leadership. Nurse managers are positioned to facilitate this process in their organisations.