Learning Objective #1: Increase awareness of one’s own spiritual and religious values by fostering a clear understanding of one’s own values/faith

Learning Objective #2: Develop a plan of care to recognize complex spiritual, religious and ethical issues

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Background: Spirituality has been defined as a personal quest for understanding answers to ultimate questions about life, about meaning, and about relationships to the sacred or transcended, which may (or may not) lead to or arise from the development of religious rituals and the formation of community (Koening, 2001). It is an expression of our faith in God and the center of who we are. As nurses, we each bring our own personal “frame of reference” which effects our practice and the spiritual care we provide. In nursing, a professional life incorporates services to others. Spiritual care is caring one human being to another human being who needs help and/or care. It is known that a patient's religious beliefs may help or hinder in coping with illness and that those beliefs will influence healthcare decisions. Methods: The study was conducted with undergraduate nursing students in a traditional baccalaureate program. The study is a self-assessment of the nursing student's personal values and beliefs as it relates to spiritual care. Theological and value based concepts were introduced by professors in courses across the nursing curriculum at all levels. Data collected examined the faith tradition in which the student was raised as well as the practiced faith tradition. Students were given the opportunity to record their spiritual journey in clinical settings. Evaluation was provided from the insights of the participants. Conclusion: Nursing students value the opportunity to reflect on personal spiritual and religious issues. Students were willing to talk, share, explore insights and concerns. Through self-discovery, many identified personal biases and identified personal limits. Implications: Nurses need the opportunity to clarify one's own values and religious beliefs and the opportunity to explore other values and religious beliefs outside their own. This in turn will assist nurse's in providing spiritual care for their patients.