Nurses' perception on the role of the nurse in spiritual care of institutionalized elderly

Abstract

This small scale descriptive study collected quantitative and qualitative data through a selfadministered questionnaire on the role of the nurse in spiritual care (Baldacchino 2003). A convenience sample of thirty two nurses working full time in the local hospital for the elderly were recruited with a response rate of 100%. The study gave further indication that spirituality and spiritual care is still highly associated with religiosity. This finding is recurrent in previous studies carried out in societies with a predominant Judeo-Christian faith (Ross 1997a, Baldacchino 2003, Baldacchino 2006) like Malta. Literature agrees that spirituality cannot be limited to believers only, however, religiosity might be a factor in life which helps to find meaning and purpose and individual connectedness with a higher being and others. The findings showed that nurses have some awareness about spiritual care, but showed lack of knowledge as they do not consider it as an integral part of the nurses' role, but as the Chaplain's role. Education might increase self-awareness and knowledge base for the future understanding of spiritual care. Additionally, lack of co-ordination amongst Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) was identified as an inhibiting factor which might be overcome by organized discussions by MDT. If the nurses' professional commitment is meeting the patient's needs holistically, then the spiritual aspect of patients care is of utmost importance. Therefore more education and research is recommended in such area of care.