Percepciones de los profesionales de enfermería acerca de la espiritualidad y el cuidado espiritual en una institución de salud de la ciudad de Loja

Abstract

Abstract: This study describes the perceptions of nursing professionals about spirituality and spiritual care in a health institution in the city of Loja. A descriptive quantitative approach was used for this research, applying the SSCRS scale to 60 professionals, indicating that most of them link spirituality with the search for meaning, purpose and hope in life, even beyond their religious beliefs. The results show that nurses consider and empathize with the value of spiritual care as part of comprehensive patient care, while facing barriers such as lack of academic training and overwork. This research contributes to making visible the importance of integrating spiritual care in nursing practice, promoting a more empathic, humanized and person-centered care. It also promotes the need to strengthen professional training in this essential dimension of care.