Reference no: EM132186714

Question: When it comes to facilitating spiritual care for patients with worldviews different from your own, what are your strengths and weaknesses? If you were the patient, who would have the final say in terms of ethical decision-making and intervention in the event of a difficult situation?

Comment 1: The concept of a spiritual worldview incorporates religion and spirituality, as well as many other philosophical or popular beliefs and reference points that make assumptions about the larger context of human existence (Josephson & Peteet, 2004). For many people, their worldview is the most important thing in their lives with a deciding role in directing attitudes to health, work and relationships. This strongly influences how they regard themselves and others. As a professional nurse I put aside my personal views and not try to compare them to that of the patients'. That way I am able to focus on the task and needs of the patient at hand. You don't have to agree with someone's spiritual beliefs anymore than you have to agree with their political views or taste in music. Simply show an interest in their perspective. If you are asked about your views it is up to you whether you share them or not. It is OK to say that you'd rather not disclose them, or to say that you have a different way of seeing things as long as you return the focus of the conversation to the patient and don't dwell on your perspective. I think being open minded of others' beliefs is my strength, and my weakness would be my lack of knowledge of all the different religions. I am lucky that I work with a diverse group of individuals with different religious backgrounds that it interesting to get their take on situations.

If I were the patient, I would hope to have the say in my decision making. This is not always the case. If needed I would hopefully have a POA appointed that would respect my wishes. I would hope my doctors and nurses would do what they think is best in their position and that should be taken into consideration.

Comment 2: My weakness in facilitating spiritual care to a patient with different world views would be my lack of knowledge of different religions. My strengths would be my willingness to research what I don't know along with my willingness to be present for my patient and offer any type of spiritual care within my scope of practice. I would encourage my patient to do whatever they feel would help them spiritually at this time of need. Many hospitalized patients are afraid, especially if they have just received news of a disease process they weren't expecting or any sort of unexpected outcome. I would encourage them to have faith in what they believe in and offer pastoral care if that is appropriate.

My husband is the person to make ethical decisions and interventions, or no intervention, based on my wishes. We have had this discussion and we had Wills made out.