Reawakening Spirit in Clinical Practice

Abstract

This article describes processes for incorporating spirituality into clinical nursing practice. Spirituality is viewed as a unifying force manifested in the Self, which is expressed and experienced in the context of caring connections with oneself, others, nature, and God/life force. Spirituality relates to an inner knowing and source of strength reflected in one's being, one's knowing, and one's doing. The nurse's intentional, caring presence with clients makes possible the speaking and hearing of spiritual concerns. Such concerns are revealed in the context of one's life story. Nurturing the nurse's own spirit is essential for responding to the spirit in any interaction. Nurses frequently deal with issues of spirituality but may not label them as such. This article suggests processes through which nurses may more clearly identify spiritual issues. Spirit is understood to be both the source of and a manifestation of one's spirituality. By reawakening spirit in clinical practice, nurses will be more effective providers of holistic nursing care.