PHI 413 How does your own definition of spiritual care compare with the Christian definition of spiritual care? Re: Topic 5 DQ 1

PHI 413 How does your own definition of spiritual care compare with the Christian definition of spiritual care?

Re: Topic 5 DQ 1

My personal definition of spiritual care and the Christian definition of spiritual care may overlap in some aspects but can also differ based on the context and the perspectives involved. I employ a holistic approach in my care with my patients. In nursing, spiritual care is often considered as part of a holistic approach to patient care. It encompasses the emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being of the patient. I emphasize on individualized care. As a nurse, I have recognized that spiritual needs vary among individuals. I aim to provide care that respects and supports each patient’s unique spiritual beliefs and practices. Furthermore, I act as a supportive presence for my patients during some of the most difficult times of their lives. I provide spiritual care by being a supportive presence, offering a listening ear, and addressing my patient’s spiritual concerns or questions.

On the other hand, in a Christian context, spiritual care is often grounded in Christian beliefs and practices. It may involve prayer, scripture reading, pastoral counseling, and support from religious communities. Christian spiritual care may also focus on addressing moral and ethical issues considering Christian teachings. Christian spiritual care involves addressing the spiritual needs of individuals based on Christian teachings. Questions about one’s worldview, with fundamental Christian narrative elements, including the acts of creation, the fall, redemption, and restoration. These inquiries reflect how individuals interpret God, their connection with the divine, and their purpose and conduct in the world based on biblical teachings (Evans, 2022). As such, spiritual care may include prayer and sacraments – Christians may seek spiritual care through prayer, participation in religious rituals, and receiving sacraments. Pastoral care, often provided by chaplains, is a common way of addressing spiritual needs in a Christian context. As a dynamic and intrinsic aspect of humanity, spiritual care can be explored through community and fellowship (Evans, 2022). Christian spiritual care often emphasizes the importance of a supportive Christian community and fellowship as a means of nurturing one’s faith.

While there may be similarities in terms of the emphasis on holistic care and addressing individual needs, my definition of spiritual care is generally broader and inclusive of diverse spiritual beliefs. It focuses on providing care that respects my patient’s worldview, whatever it may be, as they do not all follow the Christian worldview. Ultimately, effective spiritual care involves open communication between healthcare providers and patients to understand and respect the individual’s beliefs and preferences. As a regard to this, the “Religious Struggle Screening Protocol” (RSSP) was formulated in 2009 by Fitchett and Risk (Nissen et al., 2021). Originating within a Christian context in chaplaincy, the RSSP was designed to aid healthcare professionals who are not chaplains in identifying patients requiring spiritual care (Nissen et al., 2021).

References

Evans, K. (2022). Intervention, ethical decision-making, and spiritual care. In Grand Canyon University (Ed.), Practicing dignity: An introduction to Christian values and decision making in health care (Second Edition). https://bibliu.com/app/#/view/books/1000000000591/epub/Chapter5.html

Nissen, R. D., Viftrup, D. T., & Hvidt, N. C. (2021). The process of spiritual care. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 674453.