1. February 8, 2012 Is there anything you haven’t done that you need to do?
M. Bunao What do you hope for?
Spiritual & cultural considerations What are you most afraid of?
1. Spirituality- our relationships with ourselves , others Is there anything worse than death?
nature and the transcendent
2. Religion- an organization that has a set of rites, What are you most proud of in your life?
rules, practices, values, & beliefs that prescribe how Do you have regrets?
individuals should live their lives & respond to God
3. Spiritual care- allowing our humanity to touch Spiritual needs in death & bereavement
another’s by providing presence, deep listening &
- 3 most important things to remember when
compassion
providing spiritual care for those who are
4. Compassion- the ability to be empathetically
immediately dying
present to another while he or she is suffering and
o Don’t wait
is trying to find meaning
o Intently watch & listen
5. Existential- relating to human existence and
o Trust your instincts
experience
Spirituality as meaning: what gives you meaning in life?
Chronically cool families- a parent to parent support
group for families dealing with chronic illness
Culture competence- unconscious tendency to assume
that one’s own worldview is superior that of others
Questions requiring chaplain referral:
- Assessing the pt. And family’s beliefs about
What have I done to deserve this?
illness and treatments
I pray but I’m still sick - Conveying respect, such as saying: I am
unfamiliar with your culture. Please help me
I used to believe in God, but now I’m not so sure understand why you think you got sick & what
you think will make you better
How will my family get along without me?
- Soliciting the pt & family as teachers & guides
What did my life mean? regarding cultural practices
- Asking about the pt’s personal preferences &
I’m scared avoiding expectations from any individual to
represent his or her whole culture
- Respecting cultural differences regarding
Spiritual interventions personal space & tones, such as requesting
“Whom do I ask for permission to examine
- Compassionate presence & listening deeply
you?”, “May I touch you here?”
- Bearing witness
- Determining needs & desires regarding health
- Compassion at work
related information, such as asking, “When I
Spiritual care questions: have information to tell you, how much detail
do you want to know & to whom do I give it?”
Are you scared? - Noting and offering the use of complementary
& integrative health care practices
What makes life worth living?

2. - Incorporating the pt’s cultural healing practices
into the plan of care
- Responding to resistance from the pt & family
about the recommended treatment plan with
understanding
- Negotiation & compromise
- Being sensitive
Useful cultural assessment questions:
- How do you describe your condition?
- How have you treated your condition?
- Who else, if anyone, do you want to know
about your condition?
- Who is responsible for your health care
decisions?
- Are you spiritual or religious?
- Where were you born & raised?
- What do you want to know about your medical
condition/illness?
- Who else, if anyone, should we talk to about
your condition, treatment options, and the
disease process?
- Who are important people in your community?
- What do you fear most about your condition,
and its treatment?
- Are there any important rituals?