"In this continuing work, I have allowed myself to incorporate personal material...for my own caring-healing processes...So, in some ways, writing about caring and sacred science may not be tolerated in academic circles and scholarly work, but if there was ever a time to converge personal and professional authentic ethical efforts for living/being/doing/becoming scholarly, spirit-filled and scientific, it is NOW." Jean Watson Written by the leading expert in Caring Science Dr Jean Watson, this updated newly revised text offers a moral and (...) philosophical foundation for all health professionals. This moral/ethical framework offers the reader a way to work and view life through a caring and healing lens. The author discusses a new paradigm for mind-body-spirit nursing, medicine and healthcare. You will gain core knowledge of caring as it relates to both education and the practice of compassionate, professional human caring and healing. This new edition includes Watson's most recent writings on the Seven Sacred Sutras as well as her 10 Caritas Processes(R), a foundational, values-based guide in which to base your life and work. (shrink)

This article explores and examines the fundamental need for nurses to include the promotion of the spiritual dimension of the health of human beings as well as the physical, mental and social facets if they truly wish to engage in holistic care. The author attempts to define the phenomenon of spirituality, aware of the dilemma that many individuals face when thinking and reflecting on this very personal and intangible issue.To be spiritual is to become fully human, the article argues, and (...) the reverse is also true. Spirituality in health is inextricable in each person’s search for the discovery of the truth about self and the meaning and purpose of life. Healthy communities are the product of healthy individuals who sow spiritual seeds such as unconditional positive regard, acceptance, respect and dignity for the benefit and advancement of individuals and humankind as a whole.The global nature of the phenomenon of spirituality is also shown by using examples of people who demonstrate compassion and communion with other human beings, in other countries in times of suffering, war and disaster. Compassion and empathy is expressed and experienced for victims of earthquakes that happen miles from home and far removed from personal or religious beliefs. Yet at such times we are all connected in the tapestry of life by our own human spirituality and earthiness.Abstract themes like compassion and justice are treated in the text within the context of spirituality. The author argues that being just and fair means that all patients have the right to achieve spiritual healing regardless of their belief systems, culture or creed. The works of some spiritual philosophers are used to reflect on this integral aspect of human caregiving.Historical symbols of spirituality are examined. The need for nurses to explore and reflect on the paradoxical concepts involved in their own spirituality is highlighted. Nurses are the essential providers of care and, therefore, the paper argues, guardians of that essential humanity that ensures that patients never become less than full human beings, whatever their condition, faith, culture or belief, or whoever they may be. The author contends that this responsibility is uniquely essential to being a nurse. (shrink)

Spirituality in Nursing: Standing on Holy Ground addresses the relationship between spirituality and nursing practice across a variety of settings and broad perspectives related to caring for the ill and infirm, from care of special population like children, families and older adults to spiritual care during disaster situations. The current edition examines both historical and contemporary issues pertaining to the spiritual needs and care of the sick and includes topical discussions of areas such as the nurse's role in spiritual care, (...) the nurse-patient relationship, spiritual needs of special populations, and spiritual needs in areas such as mass casualty disasters and parish leadership. The author brings her considerable experience as a parish nurse to each discussion, lending a unique perspective to each of the issues addressed in this text. (shrink)

The field of spirituality and medicine has seen explosive growth in recent years, due in part to significant private support for the development of curricula in more than half of all U.S. medical schools, and for related residency training programs and research centers. While there is no single definition of " spirituality " in use across these initiatives, this article examines the definitions and learning objectives relevant to spirituality that are addressed in a 1999 report of the Medical School Objectives (...) Project, with special attention to their ethical implications. It concludes with several "diagnostic" case studies of religious consciousness from the medical literature and in literary texts, again with attention to ethical concerns. (shrink)

A discussion of the role spirituality plays in the delivery of professional nursing care. The book covers the history and theology of spirituality, guiding the reader through the myths and misconceptions surrounding the subject and examining various frameworks, including the Roper Logan Tierney Model. The book shows how today's practice can benefit from the practical applications of spiritual concepts.

Thoroughly updated, the new edition of this award-winning book looks at spirituality and nursing from many perspectives: theoretical, historical, religious, psychological, physiological. In this thoughtful exploration of the reemergence of spiritualityas an important factor in nursing practice, the author traces Nursing's involvement with spirituality from its historical ties with religion to the current interest in New Age and alternative health methods. Nursing theories involving spirituality such as Dossey, Newman, and Watson, are examined, and nursing trends are seen in the larger (...) context of trends in society and other disciplines, such as psychology, physics and philosophy. In this new edition there is more information on techniques and therapies for incorporating spirituality into patient care. (shrink)

Judith Allen Shelly and Arlene Miller extract principles and challenge current presuppositions to formulate a Christian paradigm built on a compelling theology of nursing.