A phenomenological study examining how spirituality is manifested in the lives of student nurses whilst on clinical practice

Nunn, Stephanie (2009) A phenomenological study examining how spirituality is manifested in the lives of student nurses whilst on clinical practice. [Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)] (Unpublished)

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Abstract

This study aims to identify how spirituality is manifested in the lives of student nurses whilst on clinical practice. The area of spirituality and spiritual care is becoming an important issue within nursing practice and there has been a significant amount of research into understanding spirituality and examining the views of healthcare professionals. However there is limited research in the student nurse perspective, justifying this study.

This was a piece of qualitative research involving unstructured interviews. The methodological approach taken was hermeneutic phenomenology which allowed for in depth responses to be provided. Ten 4th year Masters of Nursing Science students were interviews to gain a better insight into how they experience spiritual care in practice. The unstructured interviews were then recorded and transcribed. The analysis process found four key themes: Understanding of spiritual care and spirituality, Nurse Education and Practice, The role of the nurse in the provision of spiritual care and The impact of providing spiritual care on student nurses.

The study found the views these participants had about spirituality and spiritual care were in many ways similar to those previously found of qualified nurses. It was apparent that there was a level of confusion over the meaning of spirituality and its role in nursing. However the students also recognised the importance of spirituality and the potential need for changes in the nurse curriculum to enable nurses to be more able to provide spiritual care.

The voice of the student nurse is one that should be listened to. It seems that there is room and need for change in the nursing curriculum to ensure that student nurses have the knowledge and understanding of spirituality in future practice. The importance of reflective practice is apparent in this study and it should be utilised in spiritual care.

Item Type: Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)
Depositing User: EP, Services
Date Deposited: 07 Sep 2009 08:32
Last Modified: 12 Jan 2018 07:21
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/22819

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