PERSONAL SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT

o THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION a process in which an individual or small group reflects

on their personal or collective experiences in light of their faith. in our daily lives, and directly influences it. so that we can live by our faith.

Tool that helps us reflect and be in touch with our faith Its an attempt at integrating different areas of our lives

B. MEETING THE CHALLENGE

o THERAPEUTIC USE OF THE SELF IN MEETING THE

NEEDS OF HUMAN SPIRIT

According to Shelly and Fish (1988), there are three spiritual needs underlying all religious traditions and common to all people:

a. Need for meaning and purpose b. Need for love and relatedness c. Need for forgiveness

The need for meaning and purpose

o The search for meaning is one of the primary motivators that

keeps us going. When a person comes to a place where his or her life makes no sense, and there seems to be no meaning or purpose, depression and indifference set in.

o If the person can find no help for meaning and purpose in

the future, he or she longs for death.

The need for love and relationships

o We were created with this need. Humans are social beings. o The emotional need for love and relationship is met in the
context of significant human relationships. a personal relationship with God.

o The spiritual need for love and fellowship is met only through

Three kinds of love

a. Eros - A physical love. b. Phileo - A brotherly love, or a friendship love. This may also
be conditional love, because things might change.

c. Agape Unconditional love.

Unconditional love

o Important for the dying person because he or she is no

longer in a position to earn love. Therefore it is important to encourage and support the persons belief in and relationship to God who offers unconditional love.

The need for forgiveness

o Guilt is one of the biggest burdens in our lives. It results from

the failure to live up to expectations, either our own or those of others. in God, and the consequences of that rebellion.

o True guilt may come as a result of rebelling against the belief o A sense of forgiveness within the context of ones faith, often
brings a sense of inner peace for that person in their relationship with God, self, and others.

Forgiveness results in:

o Less anxiety and depression o Better health outcomes o Increased coping with stress o Closeness to God and others o Resolves guilt o Restored relationships

Spiritual Assessment Tools

a. SPIRIT
S- Spiritual belief system what is your formal religious affiliation? Name and describe your spiritual belief system. P- Personal spirituality describe the beliefs and practices of your religion or personal belief system. Describe the beliefs or practices you do not accept. What is the importance of spirituality/religion in your daily life. I- Integration with a spiritual community do you belong to a spiritual/religious group or community? Does or could this group provide help in dealing with health issues? R- Ritualized practices and restrictions are there specific practices that you carry out as part of your religion/spirituality? Are there certain lifestyle activities or practices that your religion/spirituality encourages or forbids? I- Implications for care what aspects of your religion/spirituality would you like me to keep in mind as I care for you? T- Terminal events planning as we plan for end-of-life care, how does your faith affect your decisions?

b. FICA (Pulchalski 1999)

FICA assessment tool F - Faith, Belief, Meaning I - Importance and Influence C - Community A - Address

F - Do you have a spiritual belief? Faith? Do you have spiritual beliefs that help you cope with stress? What gives your life meaning? I - Are these beliefs important to you? How do they influence you in how you care for yourself? C - Are you part of a spiritual or religious community? A - How would you like your healthcare provider to address these issues with you?

c. LET GO (Storey and Knight 1997)

LET GO Listening to the patients story Encouraging the search for meaning Telling of your concern and acknowledging the pain of loss Generating hope whenever possible Owning your limitations

d. HOPE (Anandarajah and Hights 2001)

The HOPE question HSources of hope, meaning, comfort, strength, peace, love, and connection OOrganized religion PPersonal spirituality and practice EEffects on medical care and end-of-life issue

Providing Spiritual Care 1. Listen actively. Avoid using clichs, and take the clients concerns seriously. 2. Demonstrate an interested, empathetic response to the clients comments. 3. Respect the clients beliefs. 4. Provide privacy for the client to perform religious practices or rituals. 5. Make referrals to clergy when appropriate. Ask the clients permission first to avoid imposing own values on the client.

o ATTENDING ON-GOING EDUCATIONAL COURSES AND

WORKSHOP DEALING IN SPIRITUAL CARE IN NURSING

o READING RELEVANT LITERATURE INTERACTING WITH

COLEAGUES

o LIAISING WITH HOSPITAL CHAPLAINS