Spiritual pain in dying people: the nurse's role

Abstract

Spirituality is a vital aspect of health care, as it affects physical, psychological and social needs. In a dying person spiritual pain may preclude a peaceful death. Nurses are in an ideal position to assess, plan and provide care for those in spiritual pain. 'Being with' a person in spiritual pain is often more important than any intervention. Evaluation of relief from spiritual pain is often difficult but should be attempted.