Northern rural nurses’ self-perceived competence in addressing the spiritual needs of patients with life-limiting conditions by using a palliative approach

Spirituality has been long recognized as part of holistic nursing care. This study examined the degree of self-perceived competence of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and care-aides in addressing spiritual needs of patients with advancing life-limiting conditions who are in need of a palliative approach. The sample included 189 providers, at twenty rural hospitals, residential and homecare settings in Northern British Columbia, who participated in a provincial survey with the Initiative for a Palliative Approach in Nursing: Education and Leadership (iPANEL). Descriptive statistical analyses and multivariate linear regression were conducted to compare RNs, LPNs and CAs and to examine factors that explain variation in their self-perceived competence to addressing spiritual needs. RNs in homecare had the highest levels of self-perceived competence among care providers across settings. The statistically significant predictors were: self-perceived levels of knowledge and education on spiritual needs, nursing education levels, being older, English as primary language.