Spirituality in nursing: A concept analysis.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Healthcare Studies
• Concept Analysis

Background:

• Spirituality has deep historical roots in nursing, often intertwined with religiosity.
• The concept of spirituality remains a subject of interest and ongoing exploration within the nursing field.
• Definitions of spirituality often relate to the concepts of spirit, breath, soul, and spiritual nature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify and define the concept of spirituality within the nursing discipline.
• To analyze the evolutionary and inductive nature of spirituality in nursing.

Main Methods:

• Rodgers' evolutionary and inductive method of concept analysis was employed.
• A comprehensive literature search included 71 articles from 2008-2018 across major databases (PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SciELO).
• Empirical data was supplemented by a search of dictionaries and e-books.

Main Results:

• Spirituality is identified as a dynamic process with diverse attributes.
• Societal and historical contexts, including cultural, religious, ethnic, and social influences, shape the concept of spirituality.
• Antecedents, attributes, and consequences of spirituality are interconnected and evolve over time.

Conclusions:

• Spirituality is a significant and complex concept for nursing.
• A clear understanding of spirituality has profound implications for patient care.
• The concept of spirituality impacts nursing practice and healthcare organizations.