| This narrative inquiry is designed to describe the perceptions of Pagan nurses' use of spirituality in the process of caring. While the topic of spirituality and complementary and alternative approaches within nurse patient interactions has been emerging, the literature is dearth regarding care delivery that embraces complementary and alternative care influenced by Pagan spirituality˙ Studies indicate a growing trend in both the use of complementary and alternative medicine, as well as a growing trend in Pagan spirituality warranting investigation. These inclinations motivated the exploration of holistic transpersonal support offered by earth based spirituality and utilized in healing for both patient and nurse.;Qualitative research methods are used in this study to describe Pagan nurses' perceptions in a study format that would encourage the use of terms and patterns unique to the participants in the telling of their story. One broad question was asked and designed to allow for unencumbered emerging themes.;The data offered insight as to collective perceptions of the participants regarding caring and Pagan spirituality: (a) Pagans identify themselves as spiritually unified beings grounded by their beliefs, (b) there exists systemic apathy within the healthcare system, (c) there exists fear of retaliation resulting in complacency, (d) Pagans utilize a blended practice, (e) ethical lines are blurred, and (f) there is an absence of training in caring in nursing curricula.;Information from this study can be used to develop approaches to nursing care and curriculum which facilitate the development of holistic healing plans for the patient and the nurse. Nurse educators can support nursing through the inclusion of caring paradigms which embrace the spiritual in curricular development. These curricular changes will assist nurses in understanding their own spirituality, the diverse spirituality of their patients, and the differences between spirituality and culture. Further, this study suggests that this paradigm shift may support and sustain the discipline of nursing in a changing healthcare system and an evolving social climate. Nurse researchers have been provided with the basis for further qualitative and quantitative studies on this subject, and a model of narrative inquiry which might be helpful in other areas of nursing. |
