PHI-413V-O502 Topic 1 DQ 2

From the perspective of Christian spirituality and ethics, what is your understanding of compassionate caring that informs your approach to health and healing?
Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to the “Discussion Question Rubric” and “Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education
This assignment aligns with the AACN Core Competency: 9.2

Solution

Compassionate caring, from a Christian spirituality and ethics perspective, is rooted in the example of Jesus Christ, who demonstrated selfless love, empathy, and healing throughout His ministry. In healthcare, this means treating patients with dignity, respect, and holistic care—addressing not just their physical needs but also their emotional and spiritual well-being. Christian ethics emphasize the intrinsic worth of every individual as being created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27, New International Version), which reinforces the importance of providing compassionate care regardless of a person’s background, condition, or beliefs.

One of the most profound biblical examples of compassionate caring is found in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37, English Standard Version), which illustrates the call to care for others with love and mercy. This principle informs my approach to nursing by ensuring that my actions are guided by kindness, patience, and advocacy for my patients. Compassionate caring is not just about administering medications or performing procedures; it involves actively listening, offering reassurance, and being present during a patient’s most vulnerable moments.

Ethically, Christian nursing aligns with the principle of beneficence—doing good for others—and nonmaleficence—avoiding harm (Beauchamp & Childress, 1979/2013). Integrating spiritual care into practice can promote healing, as studies suggest that addressing a patient’s spiritual needs can lead to improved health outcomes (Puchalski, 2004). By embodying Christ-like compassion, healthcare providers can foster an environment of trust, comfort, and holistic healing.

References:

Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of biomedical ethics (7th ed.). Oxford U.P. (Original work published 1979)

English Standard Version Bible. (2001). Crossway Bibles.

New International Version Bible. (2011). Zondervan. (Original work published 1978)

Puchalski, C. (2004). Spirituality in health: the role of spirituality in critical care. Critical Care Clinics, 20(3), 487–504. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccc.2004.03.007

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