Question

Why is it important to address a clients spiritual needs openly and honestly without judgement?

Answer 1

Introduction

Spiritual needs are the intrinsic needs which human beings have to find out the values of their life.Meeting the spiritual needs are very important in personal life but it varies from one individual to another individual.

Importance of spiritual care

The main purpose of the spiritual care is not to convert the patient into another religion, it is to help the patient to connect the divine which  they want.

Spiritual care should focus to heal the painful wound of grief, unforgiveness, guilt ,self rejection etc.

Addressing patient's spiritual needs

The measures to meet the spiritual needs in humans are

• By using non judgemental approach identifying personal spiritual needs and preferences
• Helping the person to connect with others
• Listening the patient's concerns and comforting
• Assist to meet the personal religious beliefs
• Supporting patient's beliefs

Reason for non judgemental ,open and honest addressing of spiritual needs.

Good communication is important to have a non judgemental approach while meeting the spiritual needs.This communication will help to identify personal spiritual needs and preferences.During communication not to criticise, judge or share our personal opinions about their behaviours or actions.Such non judgemental communication make them to feel more comfortable about their issues which leads for the continuation of communication.More over they maintain a close relationship and they may come back to solve their another problems.This provides more opppurtunities to provide help.While meeting the spiritual needs understand the difference between empathy and understaning of the person.

Being in non judgemental approach does not mean that spiritual advisor are blind in their own behaviour or ignoring our feelings. As a nurse we should address the spiritual needs very openly and honestly.Open talk should not discourage the patient from revealing of truth.The open and honest talk between the spiritual advisor and patient ,provides strength to cope up with the illness.

Summary

Spiritual care does not promote the spiritual belief , which provides the oppourtunities to deal with problems by expressing thier values and beliefs. The non judgemental and open,honest talk helps to identify personal beliefs and practices or preferences which promote the physical and mental health.