Spiritual Needs of Patients

Article Review # 101209

Medical and Health > Nursing
Religion and Theology
Sociology

This paper examines the article "The Spiritual Needs of Hospitalized Patients" by Ruth Davidhizar, Gregory A. Bechtel and Edna J. Cosey.

848 words () | 1 source | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

In this paper the writer examines an article which delves into the troublesome topic of how nurses should address the spiritual needs of hospitalized patients. The paper explores the article, briefly synthesizes it and re-defines the issue from the point-of-view of this writer and not simply from the point-of-view of the authors in question. Finally, the paper looks at what spirituality means for the "typical" client system and who it may very well privilege. The writer concludes that the review clearly shows that nurses must be sufficiently cosmopolitan to ensure that spiritual or religiously zealous individuals are given the comfort of knowing that their God or way of worship will not be ridiculed by someone placed in a position of authority and trust.

From the Paper:

"The following paper outlines why it is important for any nurse or clinician to understand and appreciate the spiritual needs of patients. More especially, many people in America's highly-diverse society permit religion to play a key role in their health care. Beyond that, it seems intuitive to argue that someone who is spiritually devout is also someone who will find psychological and emotional peace and comfort the instant it is realized that those treating them during a difficult period acknowledge and respect their desire to turn to faith as one means of getting through the pain and uncertainty. Should this respect be granted, it is hard to escape the conclusion that nurses will find those under their care more accommodating and receptive - and their loved ones also more accommodating and receptive."

Sample of Sources Used:

Davidhizar, Ruth, Bechtel, Gregory A. and Cosey, Edna J. (2000). The spiritual needs of hospitalized patients. American Journal of Nursing, 100(7): 23-24.

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APA Citation:

Spiritual Needs of Patients (2012, January 15). Retrieved February 13, 2012, from http://www.academon.com/Article-Review-Spiritual-Needs-of-Patients/101209