Nurses' Faith and Its Impact on the Provision of the Spritual Component of Holistic Care to Patients in Oncology

This poster presentation will include data from a research study conducted as part of doctoral work.  Ten registered nurses who have worked in oncology and have attended MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, KS, and who have attended the post-licensure programs (RN-BSN or MSN) were interviewed regarding their personal faith and how they provide spiritual care to patients.  The majority of the research participants have indicated there is a need for spiritual care in oncology and that in order to provide this component of holistic care, nurses must have faith.  These nurses also shared the need for spiritual care specifically in the oncology setting, as patients in oncology often need spiritual care throughout their diagnosis and treatment.  The information gathered from this study will be used to inform nursing leaders and educators of the need to incorporate faith-based information into nursing curriculum and continuing education offerings. There is no direct benefit to the participants in this study.

Nurses' faith and its impact on the ability to provide the spiritual component of holistic care is important for each and every one of us! Whether we are nurse educators, nurse leaders, or nurses working within healthcare facilities, we must address the topic of our faith and how it impacts the spiritual care we provide to our patients. Furthermore, as nurse educators and leaders, how do we address these topics with our students and staff? Come and dialogue with me as we work to understand the topic of faith in nursing and how it impacts spiritual care.