Introduction
Caregivers should “respect the cultural diversity of their patients” (Mueller, 2010, p. 198). This practice will encourage them to offer quality support to their patients. The Spirituality Assessment Tool (SAT) can produce the best relationships between nurses and patients. Nurses should be aware of their patients’ religious beliefs. Caregivers should use this knowledge in order to support their patients. Nurses should “use such Spirituality Assessment Tools (SATs) in order to offer culturally-sensitive health care” (Oakley, Katz, Sauer, Dent, & Millar, 2010, p. 47). This approach will eventually make healing possible.
Summary of the Findings
My patient was a girl aged 15 years. The girl was suffering from malaria. The name of my patient was Mary. The patient believed strongly that God was the source of health. Mary’s family was also religious. Christianity plays “a critical role in the lives of many believers” (Oakley et al., 2010, p. 47). Mary believed that God had done many things for her family. She encouraged me to worship God. Mary repented in order to achieve the best health outcomes. I also provided the best health support to my patient (Oakley et al., 2010). She also read several verses from the Holy Bible.
Discoveries about the Patient
I discovered several things about Mary during the exercise. The patient believed strongly that God would restore her health. She prayed frequently in order to achieve her health goals. Mary showed positive emotions after reading the Holy Bible. She encouraged every nurse in the facility to worship God. Mary also encouraged every relative to pray for her. These practices made her comfortable. The practice also supported Mary’s health expectations. This fact explains why she took her medications with a lot of confidence. She was happy after realizing that I supported her religious beliefs. Mary also encouraged more individuals to worship God. This practice produced the best client-nurse relationship. The strategy has the potential to produce the best medical outcomes (Oakley et al., 2010).
What Went Well?
This medical exercise was successful from the start. Mary described most of the issues associated with Christianity. She encouraged more people to support their spiritual needs. She identified three practices that can make healing possible. These practices “included reading the Holy Bible, singing, and praying” (Campbell, 2006, p. 23). Mary embraced these practices in order to achieve the best goals. I also interacted with Mary’s relatives. I also fulfilled the spiritual expectations of Mary’s family. This discussion explains why “spirituality is relevant in every healing process” (Campbell, 2006, p. 24).
What I Would Do Differently
The above exercise was successful from the beginning. I cooperated with my patient in order to get the best results. Mary was happy to be part of the exercise. The practice equipped me with the best nursing competencies. Such “skills can support every person’s goals” (Oakley et al., 2010, p. 48). I will monitor the spiritual needs of a non-Christian in the future. This strategy will make it easier for me to understand the spiritual issues associated with other religions. The approach will also make me a culturally-competent caregiver (Campbell, 2006). I will also encourage more individuals to be part of the targeted exercise. This strategy will also produce the best results.
Barriers Affecting the Exercise
I encountered several challenges during the process. My patient did not present the best responses. The issue of age difference also affected the exercise. The patient was also unhappy with her medical situation. Most of her relatives were also unhappy with the exercise. However, I used powerful skills in order to make the exercise successful. I will interact with more individuals from different spiritual backgrounds. I will also read more articles in order to acquire new competencies. I will also embrace new theories and models. Nurses should use “powerful strategies in order to offer evidence-based services” (Mueller, 2010, p. 202). Such practices will address most of the above barriers.
My Spiritual Experience
This exercise explains why patients should have strong spiritual beliefs. Such beliefs will support their health needs. I also acquired new ideas that can improve my nursing philosophy. I will always promote nursing because it is a holistic practice. Nursing should “focus on the mental, spiritual, and physical aspects of the targeted patient” (Mueller, 2010, p. 204). I also understood how to use the Spirituality Assessment Tool (SAT) effectively. I will use these skills in order to empower my clients. Every patient “should use their spiritual strengths in order to get the best medical results” (Mueller, 2010, p. 205).
How the Above Tool Fulfilled the Needs of My Patient
My patient achieved the best health goals. The above tool also encouraged my patient to worship God. She also prayed frequently in order to restore her health. I also encouraged Mary to trust God. We worked together in order to get the best health outcomes (Campbell, 2006). I also encouraged every family member to support Mary’s health needs. In conclusion, caregivers should empower their patients using the best skills.
Reference List
Campbell, A. (2006). Spiritual Care for Sick Children of Five World Faiths. Pediatric Nursing, 18(10), 22-25.
Mueller, C. (2010). Spirituality in Children: Understanding and Developing Interventions. Pediatric Nursing, 36(4), 197-208.
Oakley, E., Katz, G., Sauer, K., Dent, B., & Millar, L. (2010). Physical Therapists’ Perception of Spirituality and Patient Care: Beliefs, Practices, and Perceived Barriers. Journal of Physical Therapy Education, 24(2), 45-52.