Advanced Practice Nurse Perceptions of Spirituality: A Global Quantitative Perspective in everyday life and practice settings

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore Advanced Practice Nurses’ perceptions of spirituality globally, in both clinical practice and in everyday life, and to evaluate the usefulness of Spiritually Competent Practice as a relevant framework for holistic Advanced Practice Nurse care.

Design/Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used. Respondents were recruited via convenience (snowballing) sampling. Spirituality in Everyday Life (SEDL) and Spirituality in Practice (SIP) were measured, as well as the importance of spiritual care competencies and Spiritually Competent Practice. Data was analysed using Multiple Regression Analysis and Univariate Screening Analysis.

Findings: A total of n=641 Advanced Practice Nurses from 55 countries participated in the study. Participant responses yielded mean SEDL, SIP and CONCEPT scores above the mid-point of the associated range for each measure, representing an overall positive perception of Spirituality in Everyday Life and Spirituality in Practice, and a similar positive perception of personal experience of Spiritually Competent Practice. This study offers further insight into perceptions and use of spirituality to ensure holistic care by Advanced Practice Nurses’ globally. and how Advanced Practice Nurses’ APNs view spirituality both within and outside of their work.

Conclusion: Spirituality is pivotal in advanced practice and holistic nursing, fostering comprehensive and whole-person care and providing patients and practitioners with a sense of hope, meaning and purpose. The results from this study highlight the need to ensure spirituality is fully understood by Advanced Practice Nurses’ and how Advanced Practice Nurse education and continuing professional development should consider how best to integrate spirituality into holistic practice.

DOI is in press.