Reawakening spiritual roots in nursing practice: Sacred places and sacred spaces

Abstract

Sacred spaces exist in-between the human experience of living and dying, yet these spaces are often forgotten within the Western biomedical health care paradigm where there is a long history of mind and body separation. However, a new trend is appearing which is akin to an awakening of a spiritual focus moving towards a partnership with clients and their families. This chapter explores the registered nurse's experience of caring for people towards the end of their lives. Through the nurses stories we explore the notion of the sacred spaces and places as people move from diagnosis to the end of their life journey. Findings from this exploration indicate that there is a need for nurses to initiate and encourage end of life conversations, which honour the sacred spaces and places of the dying. Thus raising awareness for the inclusion of spiritual concepts within the Western health care paradigm as advocates for the dying.