Original Article
Nurses' and caregivers' definition of spirituality from the Christian perspective: a comparative study between Malta and Norway
Kristina B. Torskenæs MScN, BScN, RN,
Donia R. Baldacchino PhD (Hull), MSc(Lond), BSc(Hons), Cert Ed, RGN,
Mary Kalfoss DrPh, MA, BScN, RN,
Tracy Baldacchino BSc(Hons)Nursing,
Josette Borg BSc(Hons)Nursing,
Marica Falzon BSc(Hons)Nursing,
Kenneth Grima BSc(Hons)Nursing,
Kristina B. Torskenæs MScN, BScN, RN
Senior Lecturer
Department of Nursing, Diakonova University College, Oslo
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Donia R. Baldacchino PhD (Hull), MSc(Lond), BSc(Hons), Cert Ed, RGN
Senior Lecturer, Visiting Fellow, Adjunct Faculty Member
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
University of Glamorgan, Pontyprid, Wales, UK
Johns Hopkins University, MD, USA
Correspondence
Donia Baldacchino
16, St. John's Street
Siggiewi SGW 1453
Malta
E-mail: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorMary Kalfoss DrPh, MA, BScN, RN
Professor, WHO representative for Norway
Department of Research, Diakonova University College, Oslo, Norway
Search for more papers by this authorTracy Baldacchino BSc(Hons)Nursing
Staff Nurse
Medical Ward, Mater Dei Hospital, B'Kara, Malta
Search for more papers by this authorJosette Borg BSc(Hons)Nursing
Staff Nurse
Intensive Therapy Unit, Mater Dei Hospital, B'Kara, Malta
Search for more papers by this authorMarica Falzon BSc(Hons)Nursing
Staff Nurse
Psychiatric Ward, Mt Carmel Psychiatric Hospital, H'Attard, Malta
Search for more papers by this authorKenneth Grima BSc(Hons)Nursing
Staff Nurse
Surgical Ward, Mater Dei Hospital, B'Kara, Malta
Search for more papers by this author
Kristina B. Torskenæs MScN, BScN, RN,
Donia R. Baldacchino PhD (Hull), MSc(Lond), BSc(Hons), Cert Ed, RGN,
Mary Kalfoss DrPh, MA, BScN, RN,
Tracy Baldacchino BSc(Hons)Nursing,
Josette Borg BSc(Hons)Nursing,
Marica Falzon BSc(Hons)Nursing,
Kenneth Grima BSc(Hons)Nursing,
Kristina B. Torskenæs MScN, BScN, RN
Senior Lecturer
Department of Nursing, Diakonova University College, Oslo
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Donia R. Baldacchino PhD (Hull), MSc(Lond), BSc(Hons), Cert Ed, RGN
Senior Lecturer, Visiting Fellow, Adjunct Faculty Member
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
University of Glamorgan, Pontyprid, Wales, UK
Johns Hopkins University, MD, USA
Correspondence
Donia Baldacchino
16, St. John's Street
Siggiewi SGW 1453
Malta
E-mail: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorMary Kalfoss DrPh, MA, BScN, RN
Professor, WHO representative for Norway
Department of Research, Diakonova University College, Oslo, Norway
Search for more papers by this authorTracy Baldacchino BSc(Hons)Nursing
Staff Nurse
Medical Ward, Mater Dei Hospital, B'Kara, Malta
Search for more papers by this authorJosette Borg BSc(Hons)Nursing
Staff Nurse
Intensive Therapy Unit, Mater Dei Hospital, B'Kara, Malta
Search for more papers by this authorMarica Falzon BSc(Hons)Nursing
Staff Nurse
Psychiatric Ward, Mt Carmel Psychiatric Hospital, H'Attard, Malta
Search for more papers by this authorKenneth Grima BSc(Hons)Nursing
Staff Nurse
Surgical Ward, Mater Dei Hospital, B'Kara, Malta
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Aim
The aim of this cross-sectional comparative exploratory study was to explore the term spirituality as defined by four groups of nurses and two groups of caregivers from Malta and Norway.
Background
Spirituality is a complex subjective concept which may or may not contain religiosity. Several factors may influence the individual's interpretation with implications to nursing care and nursing management.
Methods
Data were collected from six purposive samples using focus group discussions in Malta and Norway. The Taxonomy of Spirituality guided the study.
Results
Four themes defined the term ‘spirituality’. Two differences were found between Malta and Norway. Connectedness with family and nature was emphasized more by the Maltese group while the Norwegian group identified both the positive and the negative energies of spirituality.
Implications to Nursing Care and Nursing Management
A clinical environment conducive to holistic care is needed. Inclusion of spirituality in the continuous professional development programmes may enhance understanding of spirituality and foster spiritual growth.
Conclusions
Irrespective of differences in cultures between Malta and Norway, commonalities were found in the definition and essence of spirituality in nursing care. Trans-cultural longitudinal research is recommended to explore further the definition of spirituality.
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