Nurses' spirituality in a surgical environment

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the definition of spirituality as perceived by nurses working in surgical wards of Malta's national general hospital and how it contributed towards the relationship between nurse, colleagues and patients. A random sample of 7 surgical nurses was chosen and a focus group discussion yielded the qualitative data. This study is part of a larger scale study at the University of Malta conducted by Dr. Donia Baldacchino. This study aims to compare the findings with a similar research conducted by Ms Kristina Berg at the University of Diakonova in Norway, under the supervision of Professor Mary Kalfoss, WHO Nursing Representative for Norway. The focus group discussion was recorded, transcribed and thematic analyses using Bumard's (1991) framework was carried out. Themes emerged from the data, three of which defined spirituality namely values, beliefs and connectedness. The other themes were oriented towards nurses life at work these being collegial relationship, working as a team, adopting a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship, connectedness and liaison with staff, maintaining a relationship with self and enhancing staff values. Recommendations were made for clinical practice, education, and further research in order to investigate spirituality and its contribution to nursing.