Supporting religion and spirituality at the bedside

Spirituality is an integral part of patient-centered care: Inclusive nursing, which encompasses assessing and responding to patients' spiritual needs, can improve patient outcomes. It is important to determine a patient's religion and spirituality at the beginning of care because this may affect how a patient wishes to be treated. In support of patients' spirituality, hospital chaplains are experts in providing spiritual care to patients, families, and staff. This article discusses the role of hospital chaplains and central aspects of different religious beliefs, with the aim of better equipping nurses to support patients' spiritual needs across diverse backgrounds.