Healthcare and Spirituality: A Christian Worldview for Nursing

Healthcare and Spiritually
Name
Institution
Healthcare and Spiritually
In healthcare, as it is in any field, there will always be differing worldviews amongst individuals, which have the potential to cause tensions. Tension among healthcare administrators, providers, and patients may arise owing to differing views. Religious pluralism is the term used to describe “the view that there are many different religions with different teachings” (Lecture 3, 2015, para. 1). Healthcare providers need to be open to differing religions and worldviews in order to provide holistic care to all. Assessment of individuals should include a spiritual assessment so that the providers are able to incorporate this into their care and ensure that the patient receives quality healthcare (Shelly & Miller, 2006).
            Some tensions that may arise due to differing worldviews may be the patients’ rights to refuse certain care or treatments owing to their religious beliefs. For example, Jehovah’s Witness do not allow blood transfusions because of their religious beliefs. Tensions may also arise because of practices that are performed at home and those that individuals believe will help although there is no evidence of it being helpful. Practices such as cupping and coining can be viewed by some, as harmful when for others is not. Tensions may also occur in how healthcare decisions are made; for example, in some households, individuals may not make their own decision pertaining to their health issues, but the head of the household is the one with the power to make such important health decision.
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