[2026-01-26]  Nursing Students' Perceptions of Spiritual Care Competency: A Qualitative Study

Yuttachai Chaiyasit; Jumlong  Vongprasert; Paiwan  Kotta

doi:10.33165/rmj.2026.e273630

Authors

Yuttachai Chaiyasit Educational Research and Evaluation Program, Faculty of Education, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5525-0782
Jumlong Vongprasert Department of Research Methodology, Faculty of Education, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand
Paiwan Kotta Department of Adult and Gerontological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33165/rmj.2026.e273630

Keywords:

Nursing Students, Spiritual Care, Competency, Patients

Abstract

Background: Spiritual care is a crucial component of holistic nursing practice, as it addresses patients' emotional, psychological, and existential well-being. Nursing students play a vital role in providing spiritual support, yet their competencies in this area remain underexplored.

Objective: To explore nursing students' perceptions of their competencies in providing spiritual care to patients.

Methods: A descriptive qualitative research design was employed in this study. Ten fourth-year nursing students from the Faculty of Nursing at Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University were selected using purposive sampling and snowball techniques. Data were collected through in-depth interviews conducted between December 2024 and January 2025. The research instruments included a semi-structured interview guide, field notes, observational tools, and the researcher’s reflective journal. Content analysis was used to analyze the data.

Results: The findings revealed that nursing students perceived their spiritual care competencies as encompassing 3 key areas: 1) assessing and diagnosing spiritual issues; 2) planning and implementing spiritual care, which included: maintaining a positive attitude and respecting patients’ spiritual beliefs, communication and counseling, empathy and compassion, encouraging patients to practice their faith and beliefs, and referring patients to spiritual care specialists; and 3) evaluating spiritual care practices.

Conclusions: While nursing students show confidence in certain aspects of spiritual care, the study highlights the need for enhanced training. Integrating comprehensive spiritual care education and practical experiences into the curriculum, along with support from spiritual care professionals, is essential for strengthening students' competencies.

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