title: Experiences of spirituality and spiritual values in the context of nursing - an integrative review.
abstract: Spirituality is often mistakenly equated with religion but is in fact a far broader concept. The aim of this integrative review was to describe experiences of the positive impact of spirituality and spiritual values in the context of nursing. The analysis was guided by Whittemore and Knafl's integrative review method. The findings revealed seven themes: 'Being part of a greater wholeness', 'Togetherness - value based relationships', 'Developing inner strength', 'Ministering to patients', 'Maintaining one's sense of humanity', 'Viewing life as a gift evokes a desire to 'give back'' and 'Achieving closure - life goes on'. It is difficult to draw definite conclusions, as spirituality involves many perspectives on various levels of awareness. However, spirituality was considered more inclusive, fluid and personal. Furthermore, it emerged that spirituality and spiritual values in the context of nursing are closely intertwined with the concept of caring.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Health and Culture, University West, SE-461 86 Trollhättan, Sweden.
authors.forename: Gudrun
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rudolfsson
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Health and Culture, University West, SE-461 86 Trollhättan, Sweden.
authors.forename: Ingela
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Berggren
authors.affiliation: Ansgar College and Theological Seminary, Kristiansand, Norway.
authors.forename: António Barbosa
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: da Silva
keywords: Humanity; inner strength; integrative review; spirituality; togetherness; wholeness.