The purpose of this qualitative study was to discover the essential structure of spiritual care by obtaining detailed descriptions ofthephenomenonfrom those who have received such care. Data were generated through open-ended interviews with 10 Christian volunteers and analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological approach. Findings revealed that spiritual care was given and received in a context in which the recipient was vulnerable and receptive to spiritual care. Three theme clusters included enabling transcendence of the present situationfor higher meaning and purpose, enabling hope, and establishing connectedness. Implications for nurse clinicians, educators, and researchers are discussed.
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