Nurses’ experiences in providing spiritual care to end of life patients

Abstract

Spiritual care is an essential part in the end of life patients and provides a positive aspect for the quality of life. This study aims to explore nurses’ experience in providing spiritual care for patients in the end of their life in hospitals X. Colaizzi analysis was utilized to derive 181 quotes, 36 subcategories, 12 categories, and six themes. This study reveals six themes: (1) changes in physiological functions in the end of life exist; (2) caring is an essential treatment in the end of life care; (3) the nursing process focuses on basic needs including personal hygiene, pain, ulcer care, need for comfort, and spiritual therapy; (4) nurses become advocates in strengthening family system support; (5) the acts of inter-collaboration in care; and (6) the head of ICU room performs management functions including direction and control but does not optimally plan and regulate. This study recommends that nurses increase their care competence through CPD and review hospital policies in terms of family assistance for end-of-life patients.