Discussion question - Essay Example

Nursing Professional Standards There are various nursing professional standards. Some of these standards address spiritual care by having a well established holistic system that includes complementary and alternative modalities. The holistic principles and practices are dedicated to the care of spiritual issues. Holistic nursing is a way of thinking, reflecting, practicing and living. The Faith Community of Nurses as a standard of practice focuses on the deliberate concern of the spirit as part of promoting holistic heath and preventing illness.

There is a connection between spiritual well being and physical health (Mauk and Schmidt 262).There are various core values that are embraced by these standards: philosophy, education, holistic ethics, nursing, research, holistic self care, communication, environment and cultural competence (Mauk and Schmidt 263). They promote the development of practical standards, philosophies, and values which strengthen holistic nursing. Holistic nursing practices enhance healing of the whole person. It recognizes the body-mind-spirit connection of persons.

Nurses treat the body by therapeutic massage. They relieve the mind by humor, imagery and meditation. They comfort the soul through prayer and support vital interpersonal interaction through healing presence (Mauk and Schmidt 264). Holism is the interrelationship among several aspects, biological, social and spiritual. It honors the individual’s subjective experience about health, health beliefs and values. It requires nurses to integrate self care, self responsibility, spirituality, and refection in their lives (Mauk and Schmidt 266).

Nurses become aware of the interconnectedness with self, others, nature and God. This calls for courage and convictions that helps in addressing various issues.Nursing standards show spiritual care through various issues such as teaching, reaching out and showing compassion to others. Care of the spirit is a remarkable responsibility that gives distinct privilege to its practice. Nurses should work across cognitive, experiential and effective domains. Spiritual care is critical for providing quality patient care.

Providing spiritual care is cost effective although it calls for dedication from the nurses.Works cited Mauk Kristen L. and Schmidt Nola A. Spiritual care in nursing practice .Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2004.Print.