Spirituality in oncology nurses : a phenomenological study

Abstract

This study aims to illuminate the lived experience of spirituality in practicing oncology nurses. Definitions of spirituality, a conceptual framework for understanding spirituality in nursing, and the purpose of the study are offered in Chapter One. Chapter Two reviews the literature on spirituality in nursing and illustrates the lack of research on spirituality from nurses' perspective. Concepts in the literature related to spirituality, including intuition, miracles, and hope are reviewed. Literature on spirituality in related fields is also reviewed. Chapter Three provides a historical perspective on phenomenology and scrutinizes its usefulness in examining spirituality in oncology nurses. It also describes the sample, human subjects, and the procedure used in the study. Trustworthiness, credibility, and data analysis are also addressed. Chapter Four presents the findings of the study in the exhaustive description and essential structure. Finally, Chapter Five presents a review of the conceptual :framework, discussion and conclusions, implications for further research, and clinical implications.