Transforming Nurse Self-Care Through Integration of Spirituality: Lessons From an International Collaboration in Palliative Care

Abstract

Introduction: With growing evidence of compassion fatigue and burnout in health care, it is time for a deeper look at the vital practice of self-care among professionals providing palliative care. The purpose of this study was to provide insights into ways empowerment, caring for self, environment, and building relationships impact well-being among palliative care professionals. Methods: Interpretative descriptive methods framed focus group interviews, conducted during a conference on palliative care integrative health practices held in Thailand. An interprofessional research team used inductive reasoning processes to analyze the interviews. Results: Three themes emerged from the four focus groups ( N = 22): Buddhist Beliefs and Practices, Community-mindedness, and Empowerment. Aspects of spirituality were consistently woven into self-care practices. Discussion: Findings suggest that self-care can be reimagined to include highly personal and unique expressions of spirituality. Health care communities are called to integrate ritual in culturally congruent ways, thus supporting health care professionals to find new sources of meaning, enrichment, and empowerment.