Collaborating with chaplains to meet spiritual needs

Abstract

Current accreditation and professional standards in health care reflect the importance of chaplaincy services to patients, families, the health care team, and the organization. However, inadequate spiritual assessment, the organizational structure and climate, and lack of understanding of the chaplain's role can prevent these services from being optimally utilized. Chaplains are trained extensively to provide spiritual care to patients, families, and staff as they assist in meeting the organization's mission to provide patient-centered care. Spiritual assessment is a tool for nurses to recognize patient's needs for spiritual intervention and chaplain referral. By collaborating with chaplains, nurses can help develop an organizational infrastructure capable of timely responsiveness to patients' spiritual needs.