Teaching on the spiritual dimension in care:: The perceived impact on undergraduate nursing students

The aim of the study unit, delivered in 2004-2005, to a cohort group of nursing students (n = 65), who undertook the Diploma in Health Science, was to increase students' awareness about the spiritual dimension in nursing care so as to enable them to implement holistic care. The aim of this paper is to reveal the perceived impact of the study unit on students' life. This was derived from a written self-reflection account, which was submitted on voluntary basis, additional to the written assignment. The majority of students (97%, n = 63) performed this written exercise which seems to demonstrate the students' interest in this study unit. Excerpts from students' written personal reflection indicate the personal, academic and professional impact of the study unit on nursing students. The positive feedback from students sheds light on the importance of teaching undergraduate students on the spiritual dimension in care. This implies that such a study unit is to be integrated within the curriculum of nursing education for the benefit of the nurses themselves and to enable delivery of holistic care. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.