Spiritual Care

The article I chose addressed Spiritual Care at the end of life. In this article it shows the difference it can make in addressing the person’s spiritual needs. In approaching the last stage of life, the patient and their family can go through different emotions, and when spiritual needs are not addressed, it can lead to feelings of isolation and distress (Wynne, 2013). In turn, this spiritual distress can lead to a poor recovery which then leads to a reduced quality of life (Wynne, 2013). Prigerson states, “Evidence from the United States identifies a significant link between supporting patients' spiritual needs, improved quality of life and the need for less aggressive medical interventions” (as cited in Wynne, 2013). Prigerson also noted, that by having the nurse implement in their care by first assessing the patients’ physical and spiritual needs, it can allow the patient to be open to discuss their concerns, which can lead to better symptom control and improved spiritual care (as cited in Wynne, 2013, p. 43). The first intervention in addressing spiritual distress, is recognizing the patient’s spiritual requests at the time of admission. Many patients’ may not bring up the idea of their own belief or spirituality, although if a nurse brings up the question, it can open the conversation showing care and respect of what the patient’s preference may be. The second intervention is the nurse can offer available resources that the facility offers and help to implement resources if none are present. This can include offering clergy services, prayer, and arranging rituals (Delgado, 2007). Allowing these resources at the end of life, can give the patient the ability to cope with ill health (Wynne, 2013). The third …show more content…
(2007). Meeting Clients' Spiritual Needs. Nursing Clinics of North America, 42(2), 279-293. doi:10.1016/j.cnur.2007.03.002

Wynne, L. (2013). Spiritual care at the end of life. Nursing Standard, 28(2), 41-45.