Approach patient in an accepting, nonjudgmental manner to demonstrate unconditional positive regard for patient.- Listen for cues about patient's feelings. (“Why did God do this to me?” or “God is punishing me.”) Active listening demonstrates involvement with patient and allows you to hear important messages indicating spiritual distress.
- Acknowledge patient's spiritual concerns and encourage expression of feelings to help build a therapeutic relationship.
- Help patient concretely define the problem causing inner conflict. This is the first step in developing strategies for resolving conflicts.
- Encourage patient to provide information about personal spiritual or religious beliefs and practices. Acquiring this initial database is the first step in the nursing process.
Instruct patient on stages of grieving and on emotions and behaviors common to each stage to promote understanding and encourage feelings of normalcy. - Arrange for patient to have bedside objects that provide spiritual comfort (such as a Bible, prayer shawl, pictures, statues, and rosary beads). Items of spiritual significance may influence patient's ability to reduce conflict.
- Encourage interests in art, music, nature, and so on or wherever patient finds spiritual peace. Offer to help find books, CDs, art supplies, and so on. Patients differ markedly in what gives them peace and promotes spiritual well-being. For many it is not religion.
- Provide for the continuation of patient's spiritual or religious practices (allow for specific religious materials or clothing; respect dietary restrictions, if possible). These measures demonstrate support and convey caring and acceptance to patient.
Facilitate visits from clergy and provide privacy during visits to demonstrate respect for patient's relationship with clergy.- Encourage patient to discuss concerns with clergy, thereby using expert spiritual care resources to help patient.
Suggested NIC Interventions
Active Listening; Anxiety Reduction; Coping Enhancement; Hope Instillation; Referral; Spiritual Growth Facilitation; Spiritual Support |