Making Sense of Spirituality in Nursing and Health Care Practice: An Interactive Approach

This is a well-written and useful book, particularly for those healthcare professionals who, with a little more confidence, and perhaps some Chaplaincy support, are well able to support their patients on their spiritual journeys. It would be an excellent tool for learning sessions between Chaplaincy and nursing staff, along with other relevant professional groups.' - Signpost 'This book considers why the spiritual needs of individuals are important. In an attempt to explain, the book uses case studies, which show the relationship of theory to practice. It is an interactive book encouraging reflection to explore the meaning of spirituality to patients and health care professionals. The exercises also attempt to explain the importance of a team approach to spiritual assessment as part of a holistic assessment. The book gives clear explanations of spirituality in the context of Holism and the different sections give plenty of food for thought. There are excellent references and suggestions for further reading. It is not a book for light reading but would be invaluable when encountering difficulties with a spiritual assessment or situation.' - Journal of Community Nursing Caring for the spiritual needs of patients is a highly significant yet often neglected and misunderstood aspect of health care. This results, in part, from a general lack of guidance and instruction given to healthcare professionals on the subject. This new edition of an established introductory guide to spirituality and health care practice draws extensively on case studies illustrating the application of theory to practice. It encourages the exploration, through reflective activities, of what spirituality means, both to patients and to the healthcare professionals caring for them. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to spiritual care for heath care professionals in all areas of practice.

Table of Contents:
Foreword, Keith Cash, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada. Preface to the second edition.1. Spiritual heritage of health care. 2. Spirituality explored. 3. Spirituality within the context of holism. 4. Providing spiritual care: using a systematic approach. 5. Barriers influencing the provision of spiritual care. 6. Skills required to provide spiritual care. 7. Developments in spirituality: research and education. Appendix: Spirituality and spiritual care rating scale (SSCRS). Subject Index. Author Index.

About the Author :
Wilfred McSherry is Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Health and Social Care at The University of Hull. He is also a Registered General Nurse and Nurse Teacher. His doctoral thesis was on `The Meaning of Spirituality and Spiritual Care: An Investigation of Health Care Professionals', Patients' and the Public's Perceptions.' McSherry has published widely on the subject of spirituality and health care in a number of different journals.

Review :
This is a book that will certeainly repay study and its arguments do have implications for those who are responsible for the care of the elderly. It may be read with profit by people of all ages who are properly interested in the subjecys of wholeness and spirituality. This thoroughgoing, "interactive" text provides a comprehensive exploration of spirituality in all its myriad forms. This edition is inclusive of all professionals - not just health professionals - who are in a position of trust when people are vulnerable, due to youth, old age or through ill health, and when spirituality is all too often a black space not only on relevant documentation but also in the consciousness of the professionals entrusted with their care.