What Do I Say?
Talking with Patients about Spirituality
by Elizabeth Johnston Taylor
I have been an RN for 29 years & I have seen many changes in the field along the way. This book highlights one of the most recent & wonderful changes of the last few years. Actually ‘talking’ with patients about their beliefs. As a new grad, back in the 70’s, we were told to avoid all controversial topics such as religion, politics, death, etc.
The hospital was a place for ‘healing’ the body & nothing more, or less. My first field of expertise was in Geriatrics & Gerontology. How in the world could I avoid topics that were so on the mind of my seriously ill patients? But to do so, was at my own professional peril. Of course you know I did it anyway.
The patients simply wanted to vent & express what they did or did not believe regarding their futures, their beliefs in an afterlife, & fears of that great unknown. They wanted to be ‘heard’, thereby validating their thoughts.
Happily, this has all changed & medical students, as well as nursing students & the allied professions are being given courses in dealing with this much needed dialogue.
Reading Ms. Taylor’s book was a great ‘wake up’ call that we could all use this interactive manual as a workshop for health professionals everywhere.
She covers tips on active listening, detecting the need for spiritual conversations, & has a good FAQ section that is a fantastic resource for us all.
I have many nurse & physician friends that I will personally recommend this book to. It should be a must-read in today’s healthcare arena.
I highly recommend it to you as well.
This book can be ordered online via: www.templetonpress.org for $29.95, which includes a companion CD for great listening!
Happy Reading!
Rev Dr Sandra Gaskin