Spirituality among Physicians and Nurses in Metropolitan Cities

Purpose: This study was a descriptive survey research to investigate physicians and nurses' spirituality and to determine thegeneral characteristicsof physicians and nurses and the differencesintheir spiritualityaccording to characteristicsrelated to their works. Methods:Theparticipants were 120 physicians and120nurses working in general hospitals with more than 500 beds located in metropolitan cities. The study data were collected from Nov. 15, 2009 to Dec. 30, 2009. Spirituality was measured using 'The scale for Koreans' spirituality' developed byLee et al (2003). The scale has 30questions answered ona five-point scale. Descriptive statistics, ANCOVA, t-test and one-wayANOVA werealsoused withtheSPSS/WIN 170.0 programto analyze the data. Results:The spiritualityof physiciansandnurseswas slightlyhigher than 3points, a theoreticalmean, which wasat mid-level. Thenurseshada significantlyhigher level than thephysiciansin 6dimensions ofspiritualityandinthe dimension of awareness. For differencesof spiritualityaccording to generalcharacteristicsand work relatedcharacteristics, there were significant differences according to the importance of religion in life, religion and age. Conclusion: Interest in spiritualityisanimportant for medical professionals if they wereto meet variouspatient demandswithin diverse cultures and beliefs. Medical science and nursing science should be sensitive to the spiritual demands of medical professionalsthemselvesandtheirpatientsbydevelopingeducationalprogramstoincreasespirituality in education and practical affairs.