A structural equation modeling analysis of the effects of nurses' spirituality and spiritual care on professional quality of life

Abstract

Spiritual care helps nurses establish a deeper connection with patients and meet their spiritual needs. Spiritual belief is thought to enable nurses to be more effective in their profession and positively affect their quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the effects of nurses' spirituality and spiritual care on quality of life. This study was designed as a descriptive cross-sectional study using structural equation modeling. A total of 221 nurses were included. Data were collected using the Professional Quality of Life Scale, and Spirituality and Spiritual Care Scale. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlational statistics, and structural equation modeling. Spirituality and spiritual care were negative predictors of burnout and positive predictors of compassion satisfaction. Spirituality and spiritual care decreased the level of burnout in nurses and significantly increased the level of compassion satisfaction. This study suggests raising nurse awareness of spirituality and spiritual care. Supporting nurses with professional training programs, including spiritual care, may benefit their quality of life.