Exploring how student nurses develop understanding of spiritual care
Spiritual care is viewed as integral to holistic nursing practice but studies suggest that most nurses feel unprepared to deal with spiritual needs (Cooper et al 2013). The aim of this study is to explore how undergraduate nursing students develop their understanding of spiritual care.
Phenomenology (Van Manen 2014) was chosen for this study as it draws of the lived experience of participants to develop an understanding of the phenomena being explored. This approach fits with the research aim to understand aspects that transform students understanding of spiritual care. Ethical approval was gained through the university ethics committee.
Students volunteered to participate in the study and were interviewed using a semi structured schedule to allow exploration of their experiences. Ten students have, so far, participated in the study.
Interpretative analysis process will be utilised, considering the benefits and limitations within phenomenological research, to identify key aspects within the data (Todres & Holloway 2010). The four existential themes of lived space, lived time, lived body and lived relations will be used to examine the experiences outlined and themes developed. It is hoped that this will provide insights that are transferable to similar contexts to inform nurse education.
Currently the data is being analysed. However, phenomenological methods have produced some rich descriptions when exploring spiritual care.
It is planned to disseminate the findings through publication and/or conference presentations in the future.
References
Cooper, K.L.; Chang, E.; Sheehan, A.; Johnson, A. (2013) ‘The impact of spiritual care education upon preparing undergraduate nursing students to provide spiritual care’. Nurse Education Today. 33. 1057-1061
Todres, L. & Holloway, I. (2010) ‘Phenomenological Research’. In: Gerrish, K. & Lacey, A. (Eds) The Research Process in Nursing. 6th edition. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons. pp 177-187
Van Manen, M. (2014) Phenomenology of Practice. USA: Left Coast Press.