As a nurse, my perspective on Christian spirituality profoundly influences the way I demonstrate compassionate care. I believe that every person has inherent worth and should be treated with dignity, respect, and kindness. This belief encourages me to see beyond a patient’s illness and recognize their unique experiences, emotions, and needs. My faith calls me to approach nursing with a heart of service, ensuring that I provide care that is not only clinically effective but also emotionally and spiritually supportive. By listening attentively, offering reassurance, and showing empathy, I can help my patients feel valued and understood. It has been demonstrated that health workers with high levels of empathy perform their roles more effectively in terms of eliciting therapeutic changes (Moudatsou et al., 2020). Compassionate care, from a Christian perspective, means being fully present for patients, treating them with kindness regardless of their background, and advocating for their well-being in every way possible.
Christian spirituality also teaches me the importance of grace, patience, and forgiveness in my nursing practice. Healthcare can be challenging, with demanding situations, complex patients, and stressful environments. However, my faith reminds me to approach each situation with love and understanding. When faced with a patient who is fearful, frustrated, or in pain, I strive to respond with patience and kindness rather than frustration. Extending grace allows me to support not only my patients but also their families and my colleagues, fostering a positive and healing environment. Additionally, my faith encourages me to care for the whole person physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I recognize that healing is not just about medical treatment but also about providing comfort and encouragement. By acknowledging the emotional and spiritual struggles that accompany illness, I can offer a more holistic approach to care. Holistic nursing care (HNC) is an essential part of nursing practice since it emphasizes whole-patient care (Ambushe et al., 2023). Sometimes, this means simply being a compassionate presence, offering words of encouragement, or providing a sense of hope during difficult times. Ultimately, my Christian spirituality motivates me to be a source of comfort and healing, ensuring that my nursing practice reflects genuine care, empathy, and love in every interaction.
References
Ambushe, S. A., Awoke, N., Demissie, B. W., & Tekalign, T. (2023). Holistic nursing care practice and associated factors among nurses in public hospitals of Wolaita zone, South Ethiopia. BMC nursing, 22(1), 390. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12912-023-01517-0
Moudatsou, M., Stavropoulou, A., Philalithis, A., & Koukouli, S. (2020). The Role of Empathy in Health and Social Care Professionals. Healthcare, 8(1), 26. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare8010026
