Spiritual Assessment

Questions Asked (use bullet points)

Interviewee Responses (use bullet points)

F – Faith (and/or Beliefs, Spiritual Practices)

1. What is your faith or spiritual beliefs?

2. Do you consider yourself spiritual or religious?

3. Tell me more about what you mean when you say “it’s more than going to church.”

4. What things do you believe that give your life meaning and purpose?

A – Active (and/or Availability, Accessibility, Applicability)

5. Are you part of a religious or spiritual community?

6. Can you tell me about how you are active in your faith community?

7. Is support for your faith available to you?

8. Do you have access to what you need to apply your faith (or your beliefs)?

9. It sounds like reading the Bible is important to you. Can you tell me more about that?

10. Is there a person or a group whose presence and support you value at a time like this?

C – Coping (and/or Comfort); Conflict (and/or Concern)

11. How are you coping with your medical situation?

12. Is your faith (your beliefs) helping you cope?

13. How is your faith (your beliefs) providing comfort in light of your diagnosis?

14. Do any of your religious beliefs or spiritual practices conflict with medical treatment?

1. I am a Christian. I believe in Jesus Christ, the Father God, and the Holy Spirit.

2. I would consider myself more spiritual than religious. I have a personal

relationship with God. It’s more than just “going to church.”

3. For me it’s a part of me. It’s not a building, or a set of rules, that sometimes people think of when they hear the word

“religion.”

4. The two biggest things that keep me going is my faith and my family. I have a wonderful family. I’m blessed, with my husband, kids, and grandkids. I pray for them every day. My faith in Jesus is what gives it all meaning.

5. Yes, I am. I attend a nondenominational Christian church.

6. I go to church pretty much every Sunday, and go to the bible study on Wednesdays. I am involved with the women’s ministry.

7. The prayer chain is one thing that’s really helpful. When I had my surgery it was good to know that others in the church were praying for me. My family and friends, and the pastor are all supports too.

8. Yes. I have the Word of God in my heart. God always hears my prayers, even if I can’t read the Bible right now.

9. Yes, it is. I normally read the Scripture every morning while I drink my coffee. It’s kind of become my ritual over the years. Since my eye has been so blurry since the surgery, and light kind of bothers it I’ve had to put it on hold for now. I’ve been praying and listening to music.

15. Are there any particular concerns you have for your medical team?

10. Well, I always enjoy having the kids and grandkids around. They come when they can, but they are busy though with their own lives. A couple friends have called to check in on me too. It helps to know people are thinking of you and praying for your recovery. It is nice that you came to see how I’m doing.

11. Pretty well I’d say. The first few days was tough because we had to keep going in to get the pressure down in my eye, but that’s been better now.

12. Definitely. He is my strength.

13. I don’t have to worry because ultimately I know God is in control.

14. No, none that I can think of.

15. I’m concerned about the blurriness, but

they’ve assured me that will continue to get better. I’m already starting to see an

improvement. I’m hoping the surgery on my other eye will go a little better, but I’m not too worried. It will be alright.

Nursing Action(s)-use bullet points

Why Chosen-use bullet points

T – Treatment Plan

1. I asked her if she would like me to read her some scripture verses, and when she agreed, I read her passages she chose.

2. I offered to show her a Bible application on her kindle that will read Scripture to her out loud, and she was able to use it successfully.

1. She shared that this is something important to her, and is normally part of her daily routine. She can’t read due to her blurred vision and the strain it places on her eyes.

2. I saw she had a kindle on her table, and a smartphone, so I knew she must be at least somewhat familiar with applications. The program would allow her to continue her daily ritual, if she chooses to listen to the narrated Bible until her vision returns.

Result of Nursing Action: Interviewee thoughts/reactions use bullet points

Your own thoughts/take-aways-use bullet points

1. She was very pleased that I offered to read her scripture, and sat listening with her eyes closed. Afterwards, she thanked me.

2. She actually had the Bible app on her smartphone and kindle that I was going to show her, but she didn’t know it had the capability to read it to her. She was very appreciative, and was even showing her husband.

1. I was surprised at how uncomfortable at times I felt asking her these questions, even though I am also a Christian. I think the reason why I felt this way is because faith and spirituality is such a personal thing, I didn’t want to offend her, or cross boundaries. I think it will take practice to

be more comfortable, but it is worth it to truly care for my patients holistically.