Paper
Sunday, November 4, 2007
343
The Evolution of Student Nurses' Concepts of Spirituality
Sarah Beckman, MSN, RN, Nursing, Indiana University Purdue Universtiy, Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN, USA, Cheryl Bruick- Sorge, MS, RN, Nursing, Indiana University Purdue University, Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN, USA, Sanna Boxley-Harges, MA, RN, Nursing, Indiana Univsity Purdue University, Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN, USA, and Becky A. Salmon, MS, RN, Nursing Department, Indiana University Purdue University, Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN, USA.
| Learning Objective #1: examine changes in student nurses' concepts of spirituality. |
| Learning Objective #2: identify teaching strategies used to increase student awareness of the spiritual variable. |
Spirituality is an integral component of a person’s wholeness that carries implications throughout ones' life. Spirituality has different meanings to individuals from diverse backgrounds with minimal definitions documented in academe. According to Neuman’s Theory of Nursing, spirituality is one of five holistic variables that make up an individual. A review of the literature indicates that graduate nurses do not feel adequately prepared to address their client’s spiritual needs. Studies indicate there is a dichotomy between the expectations of education and the reality of nursing practice. However, the literature also states that as students become more educated about spirituality, they are better able to identify and use spiritual interventions in their practice. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to measure the evolution of student nurses’ concepts of spirituality throughout their Neuman- based nursing program. Triangulation methodology was used. Results will be discussed with a report of the themes identified in student responses. Select teaching strategies used to increase student awareness of the spiritual component of clients will be presented. Projections by the researchers on the impact for ongoing and future research initiatives will be shared.