Responding to people who are experiencing spiritual pain.

This article explores the spiritual pain that patients may experience, which is often hidden or overlooked in healthcare settings that tend to focus on managing physical manifestations of pain. As part of their role in responding to patients' needs, nurses need to be willing to engage with spirituality, which is an important aspect of many people's lives. This article examines the meaning of spirituality and how spirituality may - or may not - relate to religious beliefs. It describes a whole-person approach to understanding the physical, social, emotional and spiritual dimensions of pain, and how this may assist nurses in recognising and addressing patients' spiritual needs. The article also explores attributes, skills and resources that can support nurses in responding to spiritual pain, including a caring presence, courage, compassion, and respect for other people's beliefs and values.