The Meaning of Practice; Integrating Spirituality into Health Professional Education: Q&A and Discussion

Proposal: Professional nursing and other health professional work requires intelligence, determination, creativity and a whole-hearted commitment to caring for others that many students and practitioners define as a more than simply a profession, but "a calling". As students pursue quality education and expert training, especially in a modern world engaged in technology and high stakes expectations, they benefit from preparation and cultivation of skills that enhance their ability to meet the vital physical, psycho-social and spiritual needs of patients, families, and communities with compassion, insight and self-awareness.
Patients, their families and support systems, frequently call upon faith for comfort, courage, perseverance and guidance through tumultuous health concerns. Nurses, the most consistent and trusted health care providers prepared with a strong understanding of spirituality, will be equipped to engage with patients, even if their faith beliefs differ.
Additionally, the burden shouldered by nurses continues to grow; burnout has become one of the profession’s biggest threats. It is increasingly important that nurses build resiliency, employ reflective practice and self-care skills while working in the throes of a busy and impersonal world, staying connected to their "why" as healers, care providers, leaders and communicators. Nursing and Health professional educators must provide a framework that promotes personal well-being and help students maintain sight of what called them to the profession in the first place, enabling them to carry it forward into their careers.
This presentation will feature a discussion of ongoing effort between the Duke Divinity School and School of Nursing, Incorporating spirituality into the nursing education and foster a sense of community. We will share the evidence that supported this effort aimed to promote wellness, enhance professionalism and prevent burnout in the profession and the strategies we are incorporating into various nursing degree areas.
We will briefly highlight outcomes demonstrated in the early adoption of this effort including enhanced sense of community, clarification of professional purpose and the ability for students to build meaningful relationships with peers who they may not have otherwise had the opportunity to connect with, enhancing a sense of belonging.
The Community-building has been especially important as we aim for graduates to carry reflective practices forward into practice and promote a sense of belonging among professional teams. These qualities combat isolation, positively contribute to mental health, promote resilience and sustain a sense of well-being and purpose. These aspects are critical for nurses and health professionals engaged in whole-person care.