Nurse should not assume patient has no spiritual needs simply because no religious affiliation is listed. Self examination is important how we view others, because that will be communicated in our behavior, whether we intend for it to be or not. Nurses should not assume that the patient has no spiritual needs because the record states no religious affiliation, nor that they practice stated religion. Spiritual factors affect the attitudes and perceptions of both care giver and the patient and thereby influence healing. Spiritual needs deal with one's relationship to God or deity, higher being as defined by the individual and psychosocial needs deal with one's relationship to himself, others and the environment.
Spiritual needs are remarkably similar and basic for all people, regardless of religious preference.
Parameters of spiritual needs and how they are manifested. Need is the lack of any factor necessary to establish and maintain a dynamic, personal relationship with God, as you define God. A need is emotional, or psychosocial when it is between the individual and others. It is spiritual when it is between the individual and his God. Does not always fit what you might desire but what the patient desires.