Students' Perceptions of Holistic Nursing Care

Abstract AIM This qualitative study aimed to investigate the trends and perceptions related to the provision of spiritual care for patients. BACKGROUND Holistic nursing integrates the body, mind, and spirit into care. However, nursing students from a traditional program, an RN-BSN program, and a graduate nurse practitioner program voiced discomfort with providing such spiritual care. METHOD The study was a retrospective review of a convenience sample of journal entries about specific questions of how and when three groups of students developed ideas and concepts about spirituality. RESULTS Students embraced the idea of spirituality connected to their experiences. As students developed as registered nurses, their manner of including spirituality mirrored Benner's model. CONCLUSION Additional education is needed for professional nurses concerning spirituality and the provision of spiritual care in a holistic manner.