The Importance Of Faith In Nursing

Nursing is a remarkably satisfying profession that cannot be considered as simply a career or any regular job. Nurses have an amazing ability to touch a person’s life in an exceptional, yet incommunicable way. The field of nursing provides an opportunity to truly make a difference in the lives of others. Integrating faith into health and wellness can make a world of difference in the way in which one practices. “Various studies have related faith to the preservation of physiological (Gardiner et al. 2012), social (Jensen et al. 2013) and relationship- related integrity (Karlson & Berggren 2011)” (Granero-Molina et al. 2014). Being that I was never the most religious person, or the most expressive in regards to my faith, I can undeniably testify

According to Yilmaz and Gurler, “spirituality is characterized by faith, a search for meaning and purpose in life, a sense of connection with others, and a transcendence of self, resulting in a sense of inner peace and well-being” (2014). Faith isn’t necessarily an action, but a feeling an individual has deep inside that guides the way they carry themselves, and in the instance of nursing, the way in which they care for their patients. Up until a few years ago, I never really understood the meaning of faith and I could easily say, I still fully don’t. However, ever since I started searching for my true purpose in life and reaching out to the Lord in the process, I have felt His presence in everything I do. There are moments when I

Integrating faith into care plans and treatment brings a feeling of peace and comfort, that isn’t otherwise achievable. A simple prayer is one of those ways how we, as nurses, can ease our patients by aiding them to feel that tranquility they are in desperate need of. “With an intentional focus on spiritual health, the faith community nurse (FCN) primarily uses interventions of education, counseling, active listening, advocacy, referral, and prayer” (Breisch, Spach & Moore, 2013). Spiritual health also incorporates the use of active listening, which is something I find to be a vital trait to have. Having the ability to truly listen to your patients’ needs and concerns helps to focus on their spiritual needs as well, which are sometimes equally as important as their physical needs. In the opinions of current nurses on end- of-life care, “although existential concerns seem more relevant than religious ones (Park et al. 2009), the nurses interviewed refer to faith as an intrinsic element which can encourage