Monitor patient for potential signs of spiritual distress that might harm patient's well-being (altered self-care, sleep pattern disturbance, and change in exercise and eating habits) to plan appropriate interventions.- Assess the significance of spirituality in patient's life and in coping with illness. Note whether patient participates in religious rituals, observes religious practices (such as prayer, meditation, or dietary restrictions), or wishes to discuss spiritual beliefs. Keep an open view of what constitutes spirituality. Before the nurse can intervene in spiritual matters, he or she must determine if spirituality is significant for patient.
- Ask patient if illness has affected the spiritual outlook and tell patient you're willing to help in addressing spiritual issues, if patient wishes, to reduce isolation and help bring issues related to spiritual distress out into the open.
- Ask if patient wishes to discuss spiritual concerns with a chosen religious authority to allow access to expert spiritual care resources.
- Encourage patient to pursue spiritual questions. Reassure patient that spiritual concerns are valid and that by strengthening spirituality, patient can enhance overall well-being to demonstrate acceptance.
Provide patient with resources for coping with spiritual distress (such as referrals to religious or spiritual organizations or books on prayer and meditation) to enhance the opportunity to attend to spiritual needs. Make sure the resources selected are appropriate with regard to patient's religious affiliation and spiritual beliefs to demonstrate respect for own beliefs and values. If you lack knowledge about patient's beliefs and practices, consult patient's chosen religious authority to best meet patient's needs.- Help patient arrange travel to a place selected for prayer, reflection, or contemplation. Use resources such as church-affiliated vans or volunteer escorts to enhance patient's contact with outside sources of support.
- Demonstrate to patient that you're willing to discuss issues related to spirituality, such as patient's view of God or a higher power, how illness has affected patient's religious beliefs, or how hospital stays affect patient's spiritual practices, to bring spiritual issues into the open. Keep an open mind when listening. Keep the conversation focused on patient's spiritual values and the role they play in recovering from illness and coping with changes in body image to ensure that interaction between the nurse and patient remains therapeutic.
- Discuss with patient the importance of maintaining a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and sleep, and maintaining healthy interaction with family members and friends. A patient in spiritual distress may neglect day-to-day well-being.
- Praise patient for taking time to attend to spiritual needs and encourage patient to continue to develop spirituality after leaving the health care setting to provide continued encouragement.
Provide patient with referrals to appropriate religious groups, spiritually centered organizations, and social service organizations to help provide additional support and to ensure continuity of care.- Consider resources such as parish nurses, home-visiting services, and computer networks to help provide continued opportunity for spiritual development and to ensure continuity of care.
Suggested NIC Interventions
Active Listening; Emotional Support; Hope Instillation; Presence; Spiritual Growth Facilitation; Spiritual Support |