Title: Interreligious nursing: A conceptual framework
Abstract:
This study aims to introduce the concept of 'Interreligious Nursing' as a proposed new specialty focused on providing culturally sensitive care across different religious beliefs. Religion is a fundamental cultural element that shapes individuals' worldviews and has a significant impact on health behaviors, coping with illness, and emotional well-being. The framework of 'Interreligious Nursing' emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between religion, culture, and health in nursing practice. This specialty seeks to address the diverse spiritual needs of patients by promoting an inclusive approach that respects various religious practices without requiring nurses to belong to or practice any particular faith. Unlike traditional 'Faith Community Nursing,' which focuses on care within specific religious groups, Interreligious Nursing offers a flexible model that allows nurses to provide spiritual care to individuals of different faiths. This area involves roles such as advocacy, education, and facilitating access to spiritual resources while addressing potential conflicts between religious beliefs and healthcare practices. The new specialty aims to fill the gaps in current nursing curricula and enhance nurses' ability to deliver holistic and culturally competent care.
