Spiritual care: the needs of the caregiver

Semin Oncol Nurs. 1997 Nov;13(4):271-4. doi: 10.1016/s0749-2081(97)80024-1.

Abstract

Objectives: To explore the spiritual needs of the family caregiver and to provide suggestions for giving spiritual care to this caregiver.

Data sources: A caregiver's personal experience and nursing texts.

Conclusion: Providing care for a loved one with cancer can be stressful for the family caregiver; yet, it can also produce spiritual growth. By providing care for the caregiver, the oncology nurse is equipping this caregiver to address the spiritual needs of the patient.

Implications for nursing practice: Nurses can assist caregivers by offering actions that communicate love, support, acceptance, and faithfulness. Such measures can ease the pain and encourage spiritual wellness.

MeSH terms

  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Female
  • Holistic Nursing / methods*
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / psychology
  • Male
  • Neoplasms / nursing
  • Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Religion and Psychology*