Program helps nurses develop spiritual care skills.

Abstract

Recognizing the registered nurse's (RN's) important role in providing spiritual care, the Catholic Health Association of Wisconsin has created a program to prepare nurses to identify and respond to patients' spiritual needs. The program features instruction in theological and ethical issues and a three-month practicum, during which nurses evaluate their abilities to incorporate an awareness of spirituality into professional practice. A patient questionnnaire enables an objective measurement of the program's effect on nurses' care-giving skills. The program's ultimate goal is to formalize the RN's role as a member of the spiritual care team in the Catholic health care facility. The program represents not only an opportunity to contribute to the RN's professional growth but also to advance the Catholic health care mission.