Spiritual Dimensions of the Wholistic Approach to Nursing Care

This essay presents the spiritual dimensions of nursing practice, pain and suffering seen by different religions, and the nurse\u27s role in spiritual care. Spiritual dimension is defined and explained including its relation to the well-being of an individual, particularly to someone who is sick. The study also reveals the fact that the different religions view suffering and pain as part of human life. Some religions see only the spiritual dimension as real, and the physical is termed illusion or maya . Others see the need for the combination and blending of both the spiritual and the physical. The different religions, too, recommend methods to reduce and eliminate pain and suffering. A nurse can identify patients\u27 needs through observation, interview and careful listening. Methods to assist in meeting spiritual needs are also considered