Integrating spirituality into critical care: an APN perspective using Roy's adaptation model

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Integrative Health
• Spiritual Care

Background:

• Spiritual care is integral to holistic nursing, impacting patient health and wellness.
• Advanced practice nurses (APNs) have a key role in integrating spiritual care within critical care.
• The nursing focus on beneficence and healing, rather than solely curing, necessitates spiritual support.

Observation:

• The focus of APN care is healing rather than solely curing illness.
• Critically ill patients experience suffering that can be addressed through spiritual support.
• Illness and adversity can be opportunities for patients to find meaning.

Findings:

• Integrating spiritual care positively influences patient health and wellness outcomes.
• APNs play a crucial role in assimilating spiritual care into the critical care setting.
• Spiritual care assists patients in reconstructing life plans and finding meaning amidst despair.

Implications:

• APNs should actively integrate spiritual care into the nursing plan for critically ill adults.
• This approach supports patient and family healing, especially during extreme adversity and end-of-life.
• Embracing spiritual care enhances the APN's role in facilitating patient healing and well-being.