The purpose of the current study was to describe nurses' spiritual perspectives as they relate to education and practice. A multiple triangulation research design encompassing a questionnaire and a descriptive qualitative content analysis were used with the purpose of capturing a more complete, holistic, and contextual description of nurses' spiritual perspectives. Multiple triangulation included two data sources, two methodological approaches, and nine investigators. Using survey methods, Reed's Spiritual Perspective Scale (SPS) was sent to 1,000 members of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society (STTI). Results support Reed's premise that spirituality permeates one's life. Regardless of gender, participants with a religious affiliation had significantly higher SPS scores than those without one. Nurses having a spiritual base use it in practice. Six themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: Nurses perceive spirituality as strength, guidance, connectedness, a belief system, as promoting health, and supporting practice. The integration of spirituality in nursing curriculums can facilitate spiritual care.
During life-changing events, people turn to spirituality for comfort, hope, and relief. This article raises nurses' awareness of and intent to provide spiritual care for children and families as part of overall quality care. Essential nursing knowledge for the development of a plan of care that includes the child's spirituality, religion, and culture, developmental stage, age-appropriate spiritual care activities, and the needs of the family are presented.
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