Abstract
Abstract
This descriptive phenomenological research study invited Registered Nurses to describe their perceptions and insights of the experience of spirituality in palliative home care. Semi-structured interviews with guided questions were the means by which these eight clinically experienced palliative care nurses described the essence of spirituality in palliative home care. Colaizzi's (1978) method of phenomenological data analysis was used to identify the structure or essence of spirituality in this practice environment. The three major themes that emerged from this research study: spirituality and health, nurses engagement in relational practice and holistic care of the dying demonstrate the importance of being attentive to one's own spiritual health and wellbeing in the holistic care of the dying. This study offers suggestions for palliative care nursing practice, education and research and uncovers the importance of providing opportunities for nurses reflective practice in regard to spirituality and health as well as the importance of attending to one's own spiritual health through personal reflection.
