HSC_NRS_NUR 3453 - Spirituality in Healthcare

This program focuses on the concept of spirituality. Various definitions of spirituality are examined. Through a variety of interviews, common expressions of spirituality, such as religion, art, music, nature, and writing are explored. The place of spirituality in health care is identified, as well as some implications for practice of health professionals

This program examines the rationale and the place of spirituality in nursing practice through the eyes of a critical care nurse. Guidelines for incorporating spiritual care into practice are explored, as well as nursing skills necessary for effective spiritual care. Spiritual care intgerventions are identified, including the connections between nursing and pastoral care professionals. Challenges to incorporating spiritual care into nursing practice are also examined.

This program focuses on the place of spiritual assessment in health care. Through interviews with two people experiencing chronic health problems, the video explores questions for clinicians to use to assess the spiritual dimension. Guidelines for health professionals in conducting a spiritual assessment are also explored.

Through the comments of four professionals, the place of spirituality in the care of children and adolescents is explored in this video. Childhood and adolescent spirituality is discussed, including the impact of developmental stages on spirituality. Examples from practice are given to illustrate the importance of clinicians incorporating spirituality into their practice. How spiritual needs are manifested in children and adolescents is described as well as how spirituality and religion are resources for children, adolescents and their families.

Through the comments of a woman with arthritis, the place of spirituality in the management of arthritis is explored in this video. Spiritual needs are also addressed, such as the need for meaning and purpose, hope, and love and relatedness. How clinicians can integrate spirituality into their work with arthiritic clients is described, including assessing clients' spiritual and religious beliefs and practices, and assisting them to meet their spiritual needs.

Through the comments of an addictions counsellor and a married couple who have each struggled with addictions, the place of spiritualtiy and religion in the context of addictions is explored in this video. How addictions impact a person's whole being is examined, as well as how spiritual and religious beliefs and practices help in addictions recovery. The impact of addictions on spiritual needs is described, such as the need for meaning and purpose, and the need for love and relatedness. The concept of spiritual growth through recovery is discussed. Implications for clinicians are also included.

Through the voices of two people with Parkinson's disease, the place of spirituality in Parkinson's is explored in this video. The meaning of Parkinson's in the person's life is examined, including the impact of the person's spirituality in managing and coping. How spirituality can be a resource for those living with Parkinson's disease is described, for example, in developing meaning and purpose, and in engaging in spiritual or religious practices which enhance coping. Implications for health professionals are also identified.

More and more hospitals are now putting added emphasis on the spiritual care of their patients—and it is paying off both figuratively and literally. David Tereshchuk reports from Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City, where he interviews hospital chaplain Father Rick Bauer. He also talks with Dr. Christina Puchalski, head of George Washington University Medical School’s Institute for Spirituality and Health about the improved outcomes that result from having chaplains available to patients and the benefits for the institutions of having better patient satisfaction.