Professional Competence of Nursing Students in Providing Spiritual Care: The Role of Spiritual Competence and Religiosity

Abstract

Background: Spiritual care is a critical component of holistic healthcare, significantly contributing to patients’ well‑being and recovery. Understanding the factors influencing nurses’ competence in providing spiritual care is crucial for improving patient outcomes. This study aimed to examine the relationship between spiritual competence, religiosity, and professional competence in delivering spiritual care among Iranian nursing students. Materials and Methods: This cross‑sectional study was conducted in Qom, Iran, from September to November 2022. A total of 150 nursing students from a medical sciences university were randomly selected to participate. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires, spiritual competence scale, and the Spiritual Care Competence Scale (SCCS). Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to assess the relationships between variables. Results: The mean (SD) SCCS score among students was 101.88 (17.33) (range: 44–135). Spiritual competence showed a significant positive correlation with all dimensions of the SCCS (p < 0.05). However, no significant association was found between religiosity and SCCS scores. According to the multiple linear regression model, interconnectedness (β = 0.36, p = 0.001) and self‑awareness (β = 0.19, p = 0.045) emerged as the strongest predictors of spiritual care competence. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of spiritual competence in enhancing nursing students’ ability to provide spiritual care. The findings suggest that awareness of interconnectedness and self‑awareness are key predictors of spiritual care competence. These insights emphasize the need for comprehensive training programs focused on strengthening spiritual competence among nursing students to improve patient care.