Nurses’ Perceptions of Spirituality and Spiritual Care in Different Health Care Settings in the Netherlands

René Van Leeuwen,Annemiek Schep-Akkerman

doi:10.3390/rel6041346

Abstract

This paper shows similarities and differences in perceptions and competences regarding spirituality and spiritual care of nurses in different health care settings. Research on this specific topic is limited and can contribute towards a nuanced implementation of spiritual care in different nursing care settings. Four hundred forty nine nurses in different health care settings completed a questionnaire concerning spirituality and spiritual care, spiritual care competence, and personal spirituality. Respondents reported a generic (instead of more specific) view of spirituality and spiritual care, and they perceived themselves to be competent in providing spiritual care. Compared to nurses in hospital settings, nurses in mental health care and home care have a more generic view of spirituality and spiritual care and report a higher level of competence. Next to this, they perceive themselves more as spiritual persons. Future research is needed to develop further understanding in setting specific factors and their influence on nurses’ views and competence regarding spiritual care. Nursing education and management should consider an emphasis on spiritual competence development related to working settings of nurses.

Highlights

The import of spirituality and spiritual care in nursing is highly influenced by the nurses’ perceptions and competence [1]
The study reported in this paper explores whether the work and organizational context of nurses influences their perception of spirituality and competence in spiritual care
Three groups of nurses were recruited to participate in the study: nurses employed in hospitals, nurses working in mental health care, and nurses working in home care

Summary

Introduction

The import of spirituality and spiritual care in nursing is highly influenced by the nurses’ perceptions and competence [1]. Studies show that nurses hold widely varying perceptions of the concept of spirituality, and they show at least some competence for spiritual care [2,3,4,5]. The spiritual dimension of the patient’s condition is deeply subjective [6], which means that the patient’s interpretation of spirituality depends upon his or her personal view of life and existence. In this way, spirituality can be interpreted as a functional concept [2,7]. Spirituality is expressed through beliefs, values, traditions, and practices [9]

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Conclusion