title: Perspectives of spiritual care for nurse managers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this article is to explore the current status, perspectives and attitudes of nurse managers, nurses and others toward spiritual care.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The nursing profession has not defined what is expected of the nurses and some question the need for teaching it in nursing education. The leadership roles of chief executive officers, nursing leaders, chaplains and others are considered. Gallup polls indicate people consider religion very important in their lives, but studies show patients report receiving none or limited care.
  
  
  RESULTS
  While the spiritual dimension of holistic care is considered essential to healing, its practice has yet to be achieved.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Requirements and criteria are in place through accreditation agencies and professional codes identifying spiritual care as part of the role of nursing, but guidelines for implementing spiritual care are vague and broadly stated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  If nurse managers implement agency-wide programmes of spiritual care then clear direction can be provided for the nursing staff.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An agency-wide programme of spiritual care practice for nurses needs to be developed not only to provide evidence for accreditation but also to provide guidelines for nursing staff.
authors.affiliation: bwbattey@comcast.net
authors.forename: Bonnie Weaver
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Battey
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004506:Education, Nursing; D006284:Health Plan Implementation; D018939:Holistic Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D009718:Nurse Administrators; D024802:Nurse's Role; D016134:Organizational Policy; D010327:Pastoral Care; D057240:Patient Preference; D029181:Spirituality; D014481:United States