Top 10 Benefits of Spirituality in Nursing Care


Written By: Darby FaubionDarby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA

Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Darby lives in Louisiana and loves exploring the state’s rich culture and history. Darby has a passion for caring for veterans and a special interest in those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder. In her quest to make a difference for veterans, she founded a non-profit called “Operation Battle Buddy.” Read Full Bio »»
RN, BSN, MBA


Spirituality is a concept that involves a person’s search for meaning and purpose in life. It goes beyond physical or sensory experiences to touch various aspects of a person’s thoughts and actions. Because spirituality impacts so many parts of a person’s life, many people feel it is a beneficial practice. As a nurse, you may have worked with patients who have a strong sense of spirituality. You may practice spirituality yourself. Perhaps you wonder, “What are the benefits of spirituality in nursing care?”

I have been a nurse for more than 20 years, and I have seen the difference spirituality makes for both patients and nurses. In this article, I will share the top 10 benefits of spirituality in nursing care with you. Remember, spirituality is not limited to a specific religion or organized belief system. It is expressed through many practices and impacts everyone differently.



What are the Benefits of Spirituality in Nursing Care?

(The following are the top 10 benefits of spirituality in nursing care.)


BENEFIT #1: Improved Coping Mechanisms

One of the main benefits of spirituality in nursing care is that patients whose spiritual needs are met tend to have better coping mechanisms. Spirituality helps individuals deal with issues such as fear, poor self-esteem, and lack of self-control. With practices such as meditation and mindfulness, spirituality fosters a sense of resilience and inner strength, reduces stress, and promotes relaxation and emotional regulation, which are essential in dealing with health challenges.

I have personally cared for patients experiencing extreme health issues who made drastic improvements in the way they coped once a spiritual approach to their care was initiated. I think it is important for nurses to understand that spirituality and religiosity are not the same thing. You can provide for your patients’ spiritual needs without having religious debates or disagreements, and by doing so, you can be instrumental in helping them cope more effectively.


BENEFIT #2: Better Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity

Spirituality fosters empathy and understanding, which can significantly impact cultural awareness. As nurses, we are taught to acknowledge and respect patients and their beliefs. Spirituality in nursing goes a step further and encourages self-reflection, social change, and an appreciation of the values and beliefs of others. Nurses who become culturally aware and sensitive to patients promote compassion and build stronger relationships. Engaging in aspects of spirituality, such as self-reflection, allows nurses to have authentic engagement with patients, fostering a relationship of trust.


BENEFIT #3: Patients Feel an Increased Sense of Belonging

A sense of belonging is a fundamental human need that, when met, contributes to emotional and social well-being. Illness and disease have a way of making people feel alone or unwanted. Even in cases where patients have a strong support system, it is common for them to experience moments when they question their worth or belonging. Spiritual care in nursing can significantly impact patients' sense of belonging.

For example, when you take the time to actively listen to your patient’s, it validates them and fosters a feeling of acceptance. Also, acknowledging a patient’s spiritual needs is one way to demonstrate compassion in nursing, which reinforces the idea that they are valued, giving them an increased sense of belonging.


BENEFIT #4: Stronger Nurse-Patient Relationships

Another great benefit of spirituality in nursing care is that it promotes stronger nurse-patient relationships. Addressing patients' spiritual needs demonstrates genuine concern and care that reaches beyond physical symptoms or needs. When nurses actively listen to the beliefs, hopes, and fears of patients, it creates a deeper connection, making patients feel valued and understood, which leads to increased trust and stronger nurse-patient relationships. Spirituality allows nurses to find common meaning with patients, which helps strengthen rapport and trust. It enhances patient-centered care, enriches nurse-patient relationships, and fosters a sense of shared meaning and worth.

Having been both a patient and a nurse caring for others, I have experienced the benefit of spirituality and its role in helping strengthen nurse-patient bonds and creating strong relationships. I encourage nurses and nursing students to consider what you would want from healthcare professionals if you were the patient.


BENEFIT #5: Reduced Anxiety

In my experience as a nurse, I have seen situations where both my patients and I were impacted by spirituality. One crucial difference I have witnessed is that spirituality seems to create an environment where there is less anxiety, which helps patients feel more at ease and improves their outcomes. Also, when there is reduced anxiety at work, nurses typically exercise better decision making and critical thinking.

Spirituality fosters a feeling of being connected to nature, humanity, or a higher power, which helps reduce feelings of isolation. It promotes a sense of belonging, which helps reduce anxiety as patients realize they are not alone in dealing with their health problems.


BENEFIT #6: Reduced Moral Distress Among Nurses

One of the biggest issues many nurses face in the workplace today is moral distress. Moral distress occurs when nurses feel compelled or pressured to perform or act against their personal moral judgment. In nursing, it often occurs when assignments or situations contradict a nurse’s morals, values, or beliefs.

One of the benefits of spirituality in nursing care is that nurses who engage in acts of spirituality, such as mindful meditation or prayer, seem to have fewer struggles with issues of moral distress. Spirituality in nursing leads to decreased moral distress by supporting a more holistic approach to patient care, ethical decision-making, and a sense of community among nursing staff.


BENEFIT #7: It Gives Nurses a Sense of Fulfillment

I have been a nurse for over 20 years, and I have found that providing spiritual care not only benefits patients but makes a difference for nurses as well. When I provide spiritual care to my patients, I feel it is easier to connect with them on a deeper level. Those connections always seem to leave me with a sense of fulfillment that makes the job seem worthwhile, even on hard days.

Spirituality encourages nurses to participate in self-care and self-reflection, which makes it easier to provide care for others. The ability to effectively care for others has a reciprocal effect leading to a sense of fulfillment for nurses.


BENEFIT #8: Greater Job Satisfaction

Another excellent benefit of spirituality in nursing care is that it leads to greater job satisfaction for nurses. Spirituality helps nurses find meaningful connections with their patients and peers, which gives a sense of belonging and purpose. Spirituality in nursing also fosters a more compassionate and supportive work environment, where nurses feel valued, not only for their clinical skills or knowledge but as individuals. When there is a sense of purpose and connectedness, it leads to improved job satisfaction, which is a win for patients, nurses, and their employers.


BENEFIT #9: Improved Patient Outcomes

Spirituality plays an important role in nursing and can help improve patient outcomes. Spirituality helps patients manage anxiety, stress, and the emotional ups and downs faced during their illnesses. Patients who have a foundation of spirituality often have less risk of suicidal tendencies and substance abuse, as they feel more of a sense of hope and purpose. Additionally, spirituality in nursing is also linked to patients experiencing reduced pain perception and having better pain control.

It is common for people who are experiencing serious illnesses or diseases to explore spirituality. For many, it is a way of coping and finding hope in what seems like a hopeless situation. In my experience, patients who practice spirituality seem to gain a different perspective on their situations and often a renewed sense of hope. Hope is a catalyst that often propels patients to better outcomes.


BENEFIT #10: Decreased Risk of Nurse Burnout

Another top benefit of spirituality in nursing care is that it plays an essential role in helping prevent nurse burnout. Spirituality positively impacts mental and emotional health, which influences whether nurses experience burnout. Nurses who practice spirituality tend to have an increased sense of hope and are more resilient in the face of the challenges of the job. Also, nurses who practice spirituality often participate in mindfulness and meditation, which often help enhance compassion, self-awareness, and self-compassion, leading to better mental health and reducing the risk of nurse burnout.



My Final Thoughts


As healthcare continues to expand and evolve, finding ways to move beyond boundaries is essential, and spirituality in nursing care makes that possible. Many nurses practice spirituality in some form. On the other hand, many wonder, "What are the benefits of spirituality in nursing care?”

In this article, I shared the top 10 benefits of spirituality in nursing care to give you insight into the impact it can have on both patients and nurses. By implementing the practice of spirituality, nurses make deeper connections with patients and peers, develop resilience and compassion, and practice enhanced cultural sensitivity.



List Of Sources Used For This Article


1. ”12 Ways to Show Compassion in Nursing (with Examples)” (nursingprocess.org)
2. “What Is Moral Distress in Nursing? (with Examples, How to Address, & Negative Effects)” (nursingprocess.org)


Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.