Abstract
The need for nurses to address patients' spiritual care practices and needs at the end of life was the focus of this study. A descriptive comparative study was done between 33 intensive care and oncology RNs, addressing their personal spiritual beliefs and practices caring for patients at the end of life. The nursing framework for the study was the "Comfort Theory" (Kolcaba). The RNs from these two units participated by completing the Demographic and Spiritual Beliefs and Practices surveys. Results showed a nonsignificant difference between nurses who worked on the two units. The RNs from both units felt a strong belief in the need to assess their patients' spirituality at the end of life. Despite indicating the need to address spiritual care needs in their daily practice, data revealed a great inconsistency in nurses addressing these needs and a desire for education in addressing spirituality issues with their patients and family members. Results of this study support previous research identifying the need for greater support of the RN in identifying and assessing spiritual care concerns of their patients.