Why is it so hard to talk about spirituality?

• Author(s) / Creator(s)

  • Molzahn, A. E.
  • Sheilds, L.

• Although there is recognition of the importance of spirituality in the nursing literature and in nursing theory, many nurses find it difficult to talk about this sensitive area with people for whom they provide care. In this article, the authors discuss why spirituality is integral to nursing care and explore why nurses don't talk about spiritual concerns with their clients. The authors examine the meaning of spirituality and the factors that contribute to the reluctance of nurses to discuss spirituality with others: not having the right words, lack of education, a view that spiritual care is someone else's responsibility, influences of secularism and diversity in society, and the current health-care context. Openness to learning about the spiritual beliefs of individuals and attending to their nursing needs in a holistic way will enhance nursing care.

• Date created

  2008

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Holistic care
  • Spirituality

• Type of Item

  Article (Published)

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3ZS2KK59

• License

  © 2008 Canadian Nurses Association. This version of this article is open access and can be downloaded and shared. The original author(s) and source must be cited.