Impact of Quaker Listening Model on Nurse Spirituality and Patient Care

Clare Biedenharn1, Celeste M Schultz, Pamela Gampetro

  • 1Author Affiliations: Spiritual Direction, Garret-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, Illinois (Dr Biedenharn); Human Development Nursing Science, University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing, Chicago, Illinois (Dr Schultz); and Illinois State University Mennonite College of Nursing, Normal, Illinois (Dr Gampetro).

Holistic Nursing Practice
|February 24, 2026
PubMed

We explored whether engaging in a spiritually based method of intentional listening contributed to nurses' perceived patient engagement and communication. Through intentional listening, holistic care is supported, acknowledging a person's physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. Our exploratory qualitative pilot study introduced the Quaker Listening Model (QLM) to registered nurses in critical care settings. Semi-structured interviews were used to examine nurses' responses to using the QLM. Analysis of interviews found that using the QLM communication tool provided spiritual comfort, which led to deeper connections to their patients, the nursing profession, and fostered individuals' inner peace. Open authentic conversations guided by the Smile, Ask Questions, Trust (S-A-T) process helped nurses reconnect with a deeper meaning to their work, often described as a renewed sense of calling, inner peace, or connection to the Divine. Integrating QLM principles into health care organizations will cultivate communication cultures, fostering healing and resilience.

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