Abstract:

The aim of this paper is to put forward different views on when, where and how to teach the concepts of spirituality and spiritual care throughout nursing undergraduate education. Some nurse academics argue that instead of “teaching” these concepts theoretically, letting them “to be learned” and noticed by students while practicing would be a better model. On the other hand, some nurses claim that spirituality and spiritual care are complex and distinct concept to acquire. Therefore, it is suggested that first, it should be taught in a classroom environment with traditional methods, then the students’ awareness should be increased in practice environment. The recently appreciated approach concerning this issue argues that students could acquire the basic theories of spirituality, the principles of spiritual care and the necessary knowledge and skills related with this field while dealing with sample cases. The basic point where nurses of different views reach a consensus is that, in order to give spiritual care, the nurse student should be well-equipped about the dimensions of spirituality as well as being aware of their own spiritual world, values and beliefs

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