Question

Based on the conclusion from the article “ spirituality and countertransference “ state your respond in your own words.

Conclusion This article started and ends with a conviction that spirituality is an integral part of end-of-life care. When achieved there will always be a conundrum: to fully integrate spirituality in end-of-life care will evoke coun- tertransference, both personal and systemic. Remen (1996) provided a reason for this prediction: "The expectation that we can be immersed in suffering and loss daily and not be touched by it is as unrealistic as expecting to be able to walk through water without get- ting wet" (p. 52). Suffering and loss, yes! And also heal ing when patients live as fully as they can for as long as one can. Spirituality, countertransference and end of life will be both messy and sacred. Hence, perspectives were offered and tools suggested, including the use of curi- osity as a healing posture and a tool to evoke spiritual matters from patients and families. Asking exploratory questions, when done by a fully present and self-aware worker, can, it was asserted, open space for the spiritual. Presence itself was named as a spiritual act for many. Because of the ambiguity of spirituality, it was argued that organizational culture must be regularly scrutinized for unintended protocols and practices that can compromise spiritual care of patients and staff. Countertransference will still occur, but it can be expected and acknowledged rather than being startling off-putting. Fully integrated spiritual care at end- of-life care requires a willingness to embrace the spiri tual intersections of life and death. I'm reminded of hospice colleagues who chose to leave hospitals and clinics for what they called whole person nursing, whole person social work. Such work is spiritual. Practice with or care!

Answer 1

Meeting the patient's needs with both trust and compassion honors the patient while supporting the intrinsic needs of the patient with beliefs of faith. Basing care on one's own belief system may indicate countertransference and may not be congruent or supportive of the patient's beliefs. Being controlling and directive is nurse-focused care and not patient-centered care. Care should allow patient direction and control. Referrals are important but do not stand alone as the only intervention.