Nurses' spirituality in mental health care

Abstract

Spirituality in the working context is very significant since it contributes to the development of relationships between the nurse and the patient and colleagues, which may yield transformation for both the nurse and the patient (DiJoseph & Cavindish, 2005). The main purpose of this descriptive exploratory research study is to explore the definition of spirituality and mental health nurses views on the contribution of spirituality towards their life at work. This research study forms part of a larger comparative study carried out by Dr. D. Baldacchino, University of Malta and Diakanova University of Oslo, Norway. A convenience sample of twelve staff nurses (males n=7 and females n=5) took part in an audio-taped discussion focus group. Data analysis was guided by Burnard (1991) thematic analysis framework. Two themes defined the term spirituality whilst three themes explain the contribution of spirituality to their place of work. Spirituality was defined by its religious and non religious components. Spirituality was found to contribute towards nurses' work by maintaining continuing individual professional development and enhancing nurse patient relationship. Recommendations were proposed for clinical practice, nurse education and further research in order to increase health care professionals' knowledge on spirituality and awareness on the contribution of spirituality to their work in mental health care.