boundaries. They were aware of patient
vulnerability during times of stress and illness,
and fourth year students in particular were
sensitive to their personal agendas.
An area for development within the
curriculum will be assisting students to
determine appropriate opportunities for a
discussion of religious beliefs and values.
Walter (1997), in his exploration of spiritual
care within the hospice framework, describes
a similar dilemma. Hospice staff recognized
that some patients were uncomfortable
speaking of their religious beliefs and
identified the importance of discernment in
helping nurses identify when such a
discussion may be appropriate. Discernment
was seen as a gift possessed by some nurses.
There are, however, problems with viewing
discernment in this way, particularly if it is a
pre-condition to engaging in spiritual care.
`Can thousands of nurses all be expected to
have this gift? If not, can such a gift be taught?'
(Walter, p. 24). Students alluded to this
discernment when they stated that they would
engage in a discussion when `God would lead'.
Although the mysteriousness of the work in
the spiritual realm should not be denied,
students still must have practical guidelines
for engaging in spiritual discussions with
their patients