The Provision of Spiritual Care by Registered Nurses on a Maternal—Infant Unit

Abstract

This study explores the spirituality, spiritual well-being (SWB), and spiritual care provision of registered nurses on a maternal-infant unit. Data collection instruments included a demographic and spiritual care form, Spiritual Perspective Scale (SPS), and Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS) to address the study's research questions. Significant positive correlations were found between SPS and SWBS as well as religious well-being (RWB) and existential well-being (EWB; subscales of SWBS). Religious attendance was significantly correlated with SPS, SWBS, and RWB but not EWB. Frequency of spiritual assessment themes was first encounter and when needed, whereas reaching up and reaching out described their provision of spiritual care. The sample was highly spiritual, spiritually well, and provided varied spiritual care. More spiritual care research is needed. Content on providing spiritual care must be enhanced within nursing curricula as well as with nurses in practice.