Connections In Healthcare

The Survey of Spiritual Needs is a seven-question survey to assess for spiritual distress, depression and patient needs and wishes related to these issues. This survey can be completed in two to five minutes. It is intended for adult and older teen populations with abstract reasoning skills. Screening for spiritual needs can be conducted by any healthcare personnel including patient care technicians and certified nursing assistants. The SOSN is a brief survey that will enable any healthcare professional to assess for spiritual distress and disruptions in spiritual engagement thoroughly yet quickly. It will also enable the examiner to identify solutions to help their patient re-engage with this occupation and begin to resolve present distress. It will enable the examiner to connect the patient with other appropriate resources and determine if further screening is necessary. No prior training is required. Some users of the original SOSN have requested a shortened version. This alternate ...

Is it ok to pray with patients as a medical professional? Generally speaking in the United States, it is legal to pray with patients. There are some ethical considerations to keep in mind. Also, it is important to check your facility’s policies to ensure you remain compliant. It is vital that we keep in mind the right of every person to be treated equally regardless of religion or worldview. Additionally, patients are a captive audience in a medical setting. It is not a public space where they can easily walk away if they choose. Thus, we must respect their right to access medical care without proselytization. Always ask a patient if they would like you to pray with them in a way that allows them to say no. "Would you like me to offer a prayer?" Instead of "Let's pray about it." Do not pray for a patient publicly if they are not alert and oriented enough to agree to it. You can always pray for them privately in your mind. Also, be wary of praying for a patient p...