Essay on Nursing Spiritual Self-Assessment

A patients health status and their response to the plan of care are directly dependent on the nurse who spends the greatest time directly interacting with the patient. Nurses are tasked with implementing the physicians orders which include changing dressings, administering medication, and interpreting a patients information, among others (In McCormack, In McCance, & McCormack, 2017). A patients needs are not only emotional, physical, and social, but also spiritual. A nurse is capable of meeting these requirements if they understand the value that accompanies their profession. In essence, it is paramount to conduct a personal assessment of the activities that promote spirituality in health-care service provision to determine those that require improvement based on the findings.

One of the abilities that I have perfected over time is my listening skills. I apprehend the difference between hearing and listening and in this way; I can gather a lot of information that would otherwise escape an otherwise poor listener (WORTHINGTON, 2017). Once I have sufficient and relevant information, it is then possible for me to relevantly and compassionately respond to my audience. I prefer to speak calmly; mirroring as much optimism as I can in all my reactions. I spend sufficient time listening and responding to own my patients woes consequently making them feel important and safe in my care. Additionally, I consider my job as a calling as opposed to a source of income. Whenever I am on duty, I am never in a rush to serve as many patients as possible within the shortest time possible; instead, I take my time to diligently attend to each patient while giving a reassuring word and an encouraging smile. I realize that patients are in the facility because of one challenge or the other and the best way to provide individualized care is by personalizing their cases and tailor-making the services.

Spiritual people realize the importance of fasting as a way to promote their spirituality (Taylor, 2002). During this period, one goes without food or certain drinks with the aim of purifying their bodies and souls for a greater purpose. Often, fasting is accompanied by prayer where an individual can ask to renew their dedication and strengthen their zeal for a greater being. Fasting reveals to people their vulnerabilities and their need to depend on supreme forces. Another way to promote ones spirituality is by taking long walks during which an individual may engage their mind in deep thoughts. Additionally, these tours enable a person to appreciate natures beauty and to marvel in its simplicity.

Accordingly, I need to improve on the quality of the expression in my eyes. They do mirror compassion and love, but I am aware that they at times reveal a little confidence. A patient once admitted to me that she saw too much pity in my eyes that she thought she was dying. I need to change this situation such that the patient realizes that beneath that soft gentility, there is a hope that they will get better. My soul should communicate peace, love, patience, and understanding. One look into my eyes should reveal that no matter how dire the patients condition may be, I will care for them until they fully recover.

All in all, the role of nurses in health-care service provision cannot be overlooked. When one realizes that it is more than a profession, then they are of exceptional value to the patients who need their care. Since patients are vulnerable, reassuring them of their safety and patiently and lovingly communication with them goes a long way in making them feel better. Spiritual needs are as important as the patients physical needs, and as such, the nurse can engage in activities such as fasting and taking long walks to increase their spirituality. Eventually, they can cultivate a spiritual environment in the places of work.

References

In McCormack, B., In McCance, T., & McCormack, B. (2017). Person-centred practice in nursing and health care: Theory and practice.

Taylor, E. J. (2002). Spiritual care: Nursing theory, research, and practice. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Prentice-Hall.

WORTHINGTON, D. E. B. R. A. L. (2017). LISTENING: Processes, functioning, and competency. Place of publication not identified: ROUTLEDGE.