A enfermagem e a espiritualidade no cuidado: a percepção de estudantes de graduação em enfermagem de uma instituição de ensino superior em Goiás

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Spirituality has been recognized as an important dimension of healthcare, contributing to health promotion, coping with the health-disease process, and the comprehensiveness of care. However, although the National Curriculum Guidelines for Nursing programs advocate education focused on comprehensive and humanized care, questions remain regarding how spirituality is addressed during undergraduate training. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the perception of undergraduate Nursing students regarding the spiritual dimension of patient care throughout their academic training. METHODOLOGY: This is a qualitative study conducted with students enrolled in the tenth semester of an undergraduate Nursing program at a community higher education institution located in Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire made available via Microsoft Forms. Fifteen students who met the established inclusion criteria participated in the study. Data were analyzed using the WebQDA software through thematic coding and the construction of analytical categories based on the theoretical framework and on emergent categories derived from participants’ reports. RESULTS: The students recognized spirituality as a human dimension related to the meaning of life, values, hope, and coping with difficult situations. Participants associated spirituality with comprehensive and humanized care, highlighting its contribution to well-being, recovery, and coping with illness. They also identified important knowledge and skills for spiritual care, such as empathy, active listening, welcoming attitudes, and therapeutic communication. Difficulties in distinguishing spirituality from religiosity were also observed. Participants suggested a greater integration of the theme into undergraduate education through specific courses, case studies, simulations, practical activities, clinical placements, and interdisciplinary discussions. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that Nursing students recognize spirituality as a fundamental component of comprehensive and humanized care, acknowledging its positive influence on the health-disease process and patients’ well-being. However, they consider that their education still presents gaps regarding the development of the knowledge and competencies necessary to address this dimension safely and effectively. The findings reinforce the need to strengthen the inclusion of spirituality in Nursing education, promoting more comprehensive, humanized, and patient-centered care.