This Ministry Focus Paper describes a training program for nurses in spiritual care giving at Avista Adventist Hospital. Rapid changes in health care have decreased morale among many health care professionals. Studies indicate a correlation between employee job satisfaction and patient satisfaction, which in turn is related to compliance with medical regimes and improved patient outcomes. This project is designed to increase the spiritual care skills of nurses and to assess the effect of the training on their job satisfaction. Twenty-four nurses on the medical-surgical unit participated, with half participating in a modified Stephen Ministry training. Each group was assessed for job satisfaction before and after the class.

The paper has three parts. The first section surveys the major paradigms that have influenced health care. Koinonia is suggested as a biblical paradigm that represents the best aspects of other paradigms, as well as providing a sounder theological foundation for the mission of a Christian hospital. A chapter briefly describes the history of spiritual care at Avista and the setting for the current project.

The second part surveys previous studies regarding nurses and job satisfaction, describes the tests used to measure job satisfaction, and describes materials and methods used in the training class.

The third part presents the results of the tests and the nurses' response to the process. The Job Descriptive Index and the Motivation Analysis Test indicated that job satisfaction of participants was higher than national norms before and after the class, and did not change significantly during the project. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire indicated a possible reduction in anxiety among the nurses who took the class when compared with the control group.

The nurses' subjective responses to the class were positive. They recommended integrating this spiritual care training into the orientation and continuing education program at the hospital. Their responses also indicated a desire for support in their personal spiritual relationships, with a special concern for dealing with death and dying. The paper recommends using the resources of pastoral care, nursing education, and administration to implement ongoing spiritual care training.

Theological Mentor: Greg Ogden, D.Min.

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