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First published online April 7, 2026

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Relationship of Spirituality and Religiosity on Spiritual Care Competencies Among Nurses

Gil P. Soriano, RN, MHPEd, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6349-5560 [email protected], Aira O. Manguerra, RN, […], Dennis C. Fronda, RN, MAN, and Kathyrine A. Calong Calong, RN, MAN, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8471-6166+1View all authors and affiliations

https://doi.org/10.1177/08980101261439000

Abstract
Data availability statement
References
Biographies

Abstract

Purpose

Providing spiritual care is an essential part of holistic nursing practice since it promotes patients’ mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Spirituality and religiosity affect nurses’ ability to provide spiritual care. A thorough evaluation of these elements is necessary to guarantee high-quality care. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between Filipino nurses’ spirituality, religiosity, and spiritual care competency.

Design

The study used a descriptive-correlational design. Validated measures evaluating spirituality, religiosity, and spiritual care competency were used to gather data from registered nurses. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the participants’ profiles and competence levels, while Pearson's r was used to assess the relationships among spirituality, religiosity, and spiritual care competency.

Findings

The results showed that nurses have a high level of spirituality and religiosity, while their spiritual care competency is moderate. A significant positive relationship was found between nurses’ spirituality, religiosity, and spiritual care competence.

Conclusion

Recognizing the role of spirituality and religiosity in nursing practice may support the development of spiritual care competency and holistic nursing care.

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Data availability statement

The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to privacy and ethical restrictions.

References

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Biographies

Gil P. Soriano is a Professor of Nursing at the National University, Manila, Philippines. His scholarly work focuses on palliative and end–of–life care, caring science, nursing education, psychometrics, spirituality in health, and technology in nursing practice.

Aira O. Manguerra is a Staff Nurse at San Juan de Dios Hospital, Pasay City, Philippines.

Dennis C. Fronda is a Professorial Lecturer at Far Eastern University. His area of research is leadership and management, nursing education, and artificial intelligence.

Kathyrine A. Calong Calong is a Professor at the College of Nursing, San Beda University, Manila, Philippines. Her research interest focuses on caring science, palliative and end–of–life care, and nursing pedagogy.

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