Experiences of Spirituality and Spiritual Values in the Context of Nursing – An Integrative Review

Abstract

Spirituality is often mistakenly equated with religion but is in fact a far broader concept. The aim of this integrative review was to describe experiences of the positive impact of spirituality and spiritual values in the context of nursing. The analysis was guided by Whittemore and Knafl’s integrative review method. The findings revealed seven themes: ‘Being part of a greater wholeness’, ‘Togetherness − value based relationships’, ‘Developing inner strength’, ‘Ministering to patients’, ‘Maintaining one’s sense of humanity’, ‘Viewing life as a gift evokes a desire to ‘give back’’ and ‘Achieving closure − life goes on’. It is difficult to draw definite conclusions, as spirituality involves many perspectives on various levels of awareness. However, spirituality was considered more inclusive, fluid and personal. Furthermore, it emerged that spirituality and spiritual values in the context of nursing are closely intertwined with the concept of caring.

The role and value of nurses in care provision: Views and expectations of Emirati Nationals in the western region of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

“…". [19] Contrary to anecdotal and published data, these findings portrayed a positive perspective of the nursing role that extended to it being a profession potentially suitable for participants' daughters, although not without significant cultural challenges. However, although nursing was seen as a hu-manitarian act, challenges for Emirati women in terms of work involving shift work and contact with males outside the family were clearly identified.…”

“…[18] However, identifying nursing as a spiritual calling is not limited to Islamic perspectives of nursing. A Scandinavian integrative review [19] examining spirituality and spiritual values in nursing reported that the separate concepts of spirituality and caring were essentially the same. Those authors concluded that "it was obvious that spirituality and spiritual values in the context of nursing are closely intertwined with the concept of caring.…”

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“…The nursing profession is perceived as laborious, complicated, and highly demanding. In the study of Rudolfsson et al (2014), some young adult nurses described that spiritual faith sustained them despite the great job demands and highly stressful responsibilities. Hence, the good spiritual perceptions of young adult nurses can directly influence their performance and quality patient care.…”

Nursing Support of the Spiritual Needs of Older Adults Living With Dementia

“…broader concept. 14 For example, MacKinley and Trevitt 15 defined religiosity as one of the subareas of spirituality, whereas Vance et al 16 used these terms interchangeably.…”