Table of ContentsDefinition of Spiritual CareChristian NurseChristian MaturityFlorence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, believed that the human body is the temple of the spirit of God. She said the nurse should provide holistic care by considering the biological, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of a person. The Psalmist of the Bible says, “I will praise you; for I am fearfully and wonderfully created: marvelous are thy works; and this my soul knows well” (Psalm 139:14). And as a nurse who believes that every man is God's creation, she will practice and care for patients with respect and respect. Without inspecting and understanding the different components of personality, a nurse cannot provide holistic care. In the world of nursing, the term "spirituality" can lead to confusion or misconceptions due to a lack of clarity and consistency as to what is meant by spiritual care. And special problems arise when a nurse, who adheres to a certain religion or faith, wishes to administer spiritual care to patients who may or may not share that faith. Nurses' spirituality/religiosity has a significant impact on nursing practice, as evidence shows. Studies show that nurses who are religious and/or practice their religion are able to manage work-related stress better than nurses who do not. But the question is: How can a nurse who adheres to and operates under a single belief (e.g. Christianity) provide spiritual care to those with different beliefs? The purpose of this article, therefore, is to explore how a Christian nurse can provide this ideal of spiritual care to patients. It will identify some of the definitions of the term and the implications for nurses in terms of providing spiritual care and discuss the challenge faced by a nurse who has a personal Christian faith and who wishes to administer this type of care. Say no to plagiarism. . Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Defining Spiritual Care Evidence shows that nurses who have religious beliefs and practices (e.g., prayer) are better equipped to cope with stress, comforted in the presence of suffering. These nurses reported feeling protected and guided to overcome difficult circumstances. And these nurses reported less burnout and greater job satisfaction, which is not surprising (Chayu & Kreitler, 2011). A study by Swinton & Narayansamy (2002) indicates that nursing practice should embrace spirituality, no matter how complex it may be. Nurses must understand that this aspect of care is critical to patient and nursing integrity. This definition notes the separation of spirituality from religion and God, lending more universal appeal to the term "spirituality." Therefore, the goal of defining spirituality is to include all faiths and religions rather than finding truth or achieving accuracy. Nursing ethics codes state that nurses should never proselytize or bring their religion to the bedside. Van Loon (2005) sharply criticizes overt and verbal proselytizing for being unethical and offers the adage of St. Francis of Assisi: “Preach the Gospel, if necessary use words.” According to Cusveller (1998), the tension between professionalism and spirituality in nursingexists because “evidence-based practice” and professionalism are considered synonymous. And a nurse who wants to practice professionally can step on mines of political incorrectness and insensitivity. In its desire to professionalize, nursing practice has abandoned spiritual heritage in favor of scientific evidence. Opponents of spiritual care go further and discourage nurses from praying with their patients. Balboni et al. (2011) found that nurses were more likely to think that praying with patients was appropriate than both doctors and patients, even though they knew that prayer was initiated based on the circumstances. The study asserts that nurses should not coerce patients to accept spiritual values ​​or beliefs and thus cross jurisdictional boundaries. Henderson (1977) suggests that the duty of the nurse is to help patients worship and practice their own faith or religion. Although for the nurse this belief in God is natural and central to life, assuming the same is true for others is inappropriate and repugnant. And if the nurse fails to realize that she is a nurse, she cannot escape the label of narrowness and judgment in her worldview and attitude. McSherry (2000) suggests that the nurse adopt an attitude of understanding, tolerance and inclusion. She defined spirituality as gaining a true understanding of people's diverse orientations and advocated this "tapestry" of beliefs and faiths. Thus, his view assumes that all spiritual beliefs and practices are useful. Kevern (2012) acknowledges that nurses fear violating the nursing code of ethics and being politically incorrect when providing spiritual care. So, in order to deal with this concern, they prefer to avoid patients' spiritual concerns and offer referrals to a pastor or clergy member, although nurses can be helpful in addressing patients' spiritual concerns simply by conversing. Kevern (2012) asserts that nurses are nothing more than spiritual chameleons. not. socket. any one. beliefs. of. their. possess or do not believe they are useful to anyone else. So how can the nurse adopt this global and tolerant vision of spirituality? For example, a believer in the Christian God understands that God is spirit and that the universe is created and given life by God. Therefore, the spirituality of humanity is literally inspired by God. Christian Nurse A Christian nurse charged with meeting spiritual needs may feel overwhelmed and pulled in various directions. She may want her patients to know Jesus Christ and enter into a relationship with God, finding an answer to their spiritual needs. However, she may fear that this approach will not be acceptable to her colleagues, or even frowned upon. In the context of a professional relationship with a client, even simple talk about their spiritual beliefs can be considered narrow-minded, or even an abuse of position to convince them. Thus, one can face problematic situations even with the purest intentions. Thus, the Christian nurse who takes a stand on spiritual care in the ambivalent realm of nursing toward spiritual care may encounter hostility for sharing her personal faith. All followers of Christ are called to preach the Gospel in word and deed. And the Christian nurse desires to fulfill the higher calling and responds to the final mission. However, can he use the profession to share the faithChristian? A believer in God through Jesus Christ experiences freedom and wholeness. Thus, the Christian nurse who has true compassion for her patients longs for them to know God so that their spiritual distress can be lifted. Should the nurse be condemned for evangelism and proselytism and asked to avoid all spirituality and reserve spiritual discourse for other occasions or circumstances? The apostle Paul said, “In [God] we live and move and have our being” (Acts, ch. 17). , v. 28). The life of a Christian is driven to be in relationship with God. This is the very purpose of the creation of each man: to be in unison and harmony with God. And in case of lack of communion with God, he or she experiences spiritual distress and isolation. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never hunger, and he who believes in me will never thirst” (John 6:35). Jesus called his believers into a relationship where he is the branch and believers are branches from the vine. It is only through our abiding in Him, our attachment to Him, our close relationship with Him - that we produce growth. or pious works. As Paul writes in Romans 11:16, “If the root is holy, so are the branches.” » Righteousness, works, and holiness come to Christians only because of their connection with Jesus. Bible verses make it clear that spiritual needs can only be met by God. And this has huge implications for nurses who know and follow God. Shelley and Fish (1989) state, “A nurse can be a channel for expressing to a patient God's offer of meaning and purpose, love, relationship, and forgiveness. Understanding these factors is fundamental to caring for patients as a whole. (p. 40) » In Christianity, salvation brings true healing to the soul and spirit. The Christian nurse can then feel responsible for sharing and leading those in her care toward salvation, so that they may find relief from mental and spiritual distress and return to wholeness and health. Christian Maturity The Apostle Peter wrote in a letter to Corinth: “In your hearts honor Christ. the Lord as holy, always being ready to answer anyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you; but do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter, Ch. 3, v. 15). In providing spiritual care, the nurse can communicate with the patient through listening, humility, empathy and commitment. Through these methods, Shelley and Fish (1998) assert that the nurse can relate to the patient as a person to person, joining in a sacred communion. Nurses are called to provide hope and be a channel to wholeness and salvation through God. The presentation of the gospel must be accomplished through the integrity of the nurse's actions and words (Bradshaw, 1994). Bradshaw states that “it is absolutely not through words, but in the skill and sensitivity of his actions; that all nursing procedures, techniques and interventions… are carried out completely and in the same spirit of life. (p.326) “Person-to-person interaction is an integral part of nurturing the human spirit, and action can have a greater impact than mere words. For example, one patient described how she felt dehumanized and objectified when a nurse bathed her. But another nurse washed her in a way that made her feel cared for, valued and loved. The second nurse not only washed this patient, but also nourished her spirit. By investing in valuable assets such as time and yourself,..