Spirituality

Chapter 47

What are the differences between spirituality, faith, and religion?

spirituality: anything that pertains to a persons relationship with a nonmaterial life force or higher power

faith: a confident belief in something for which there is no proof or material evidence

religion: organized system of beliefs about a higher power that often includes set forms of worship, spiritual practices, and codes of conduct.

How do the religious/spiritual beliefs of different groups influence patients healthcare?

Religious and spiritual beliefs influence patient healthcare through decisions on medical treatments, such as blood transfusions or reproductive services, and affect daily practices like diet and prayer.

How does a nurse conduct a spiritual assessment?

basically just ask the patient if there is anything you can do to meed their spiritual/faith/religious needs

What interventions can nurses implement to promote spiritual well-being?

1. open yourself

2. Intend to be a healing presence

3. prepare the space for healing to take place

4. honor the one in your care

5. offer what you have

6. receive the gifts that come

7. live a life of wholeness and balance

What are some examples of religious dietary regulations?

Mormons do not uses coffee, tea, or alcohol, and are encouraged to limit meat consumption. Many Hindu people are vegetarian

What factors contribute to spiritual distress?

spiritual distress: impaired ability to experience and integrate meaning and purpose in life through connectedness with self, others, art, music, literature, nature, and/or a power greater than oneself

• acute illness

• chronic illness

• terminal illness

• near-death experience