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Health Care and Faith Diversity

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Health Care and Faith Diversity
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America is made up of many different ethnic groups and associated with many of these groups are different religions or spiritual practices. As the primary care giver to patients, nurses are in a unique position to provide care that incorporates the spiritual or religious beliefs of each individual. Nurses recognize the importance of incorporating the spiritual or religious beliefs of patients in their care. A study of 4,000 nurses indicated that nurses understand meeting patients’ spiritual needs is extremely important and can improve the overall quality of nursing care. However, only 5% felt they achieved this goal (Funning, 2010). The inability to achieve this goal is likely comprised of many variables, not the least of which is a lack of understanding of other spiritual or religious practices. Spiritual or religious beliefs have shown time and again to have a positive influence on the health and healing of people. Recognition and incorporation of an individual’s spiritual or religious practices can assist in establishing an environment that is conducive to healing. This paper reviews some of Christianity’s basic beliefs in comparison to three less mainstream faith systems. It will describe each faith’s perspective on healing, causes of illness, and practices related to healing. In closing, the author will summarize her personal beliefs related to spirituality in the health care setting.

Nurses should to remember that individual beliefs and views on spirituality and religion are generated from each individual’s unique life experience (Maurer & Smith, 2009). An assessment of a patient’s spiritual needs is a cherished communication that provides nurses with valuable information necessary in order to provide excellent patient care. Performing a comprehensive spiritual assessment demonstrates respect and dignity for each patient and their personal


References: Eduljee, K.E. (2013). Zoroastrian Heritage. Retrieved February 23, 2013, from http://www.heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/healing/index.htm#concepts Funning, B. (2010). Spirituality. RCN Bulletin 19 May, 5. Retrieved February 24, 2013, from http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/management/spirituality-1-should-spiritual-and-religious-beliefs-be-part-of-patient-care/5017359.article Hawter, V.P. (2012). Healing: A Tibetan Buddhist Perspective. Retrieved February 22, 2013, from http://www.buddhanet.net/tib_heal.htm Lipson, J.P., Dibble, S.L., & Minarik, P.A. (2002). Culture And Nursing Care: A Pocket Guide. San Francisco: UCSF Nursing Press Pew Forum On Religion And Public Life. (2007). Key Findings and Statistics on Religion in America. Retrieved February 24, 2013, from http://religions.pewforum.org/reports Queensland Government. (2011, November 28). Health Care Providers’ Handbook on Sikh Patients. Retrieved February 22, 2013, from http://www.health.qld.gov.au/multicultural/health_workers/hbook-sikh.asp Religion Facts. (2013). Zoroastrianism. Retrieved February 24, 2013, from http://www.religionfacts.com/zoroastrianism/index.htm WTT-Transcultura Uraguay. (n.d.) Healing And Sikhism. Retrieved February 22, 2013, from https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:w3NbUhWKmJ0J:www.mithila-wtt.org.ve/ingles/index2.php?option%3Dcom_content%26do_pdf%3D1%26id%3D77+sikhism+spiritual+perspective+healing&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESgTSKLlH4Sog8CWIMEjQ1nl5np7JnAcPylpJJkKrZl0W1dEgjISz8XDySCMbNmkLrxE7IdKGn5a3bnu96cHp57sGLQV18mZEgiClrD3A-E7pazBhmANl9cOYR94R94k180p9nA2&sig=AHIEtbTdyNjWThh32lTHSR5xly-IE051ew
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