Spiritual Needs of the Dying (Self-Study)

Course overview

Understanding a dying person's spirituality is a critical step in helping clinicians to empower clients in utilizing their spiritual strengths in coping. The webinar defines three spiritual needs of the dying person and offers a hands-on approach to techniques such as spiritual autobiography, planning and developing rituals, life review, and assisting clients to utilize other spiritual practices such as prayer or meditation. Yet effectively meeting the spiritual needs of the dying greatly depends on the wellbeing of clinicians. Compassion fatigue can create a barrier between clinician and patient, preventing both from finding meaning in the death and dying experience. Self-reflection and awareness when caring for the dying can empower clinicians to restore themselves and fulfill the spiritual needs of those being cared for.