Nurse responses to patient expressions of spiritual distress

Abstract

This secondary analysis of data from 200 practicing registered nurses' and student nurses' responses to 3 vignettes depicting patient spiritual distress were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively (using the Empathic Response Scale). Findings showed wide variation in these nurses' ability to respond empathically; while some responses would be healing, others were potentially hurtful. Copyright © 2013 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.