The impact of spirituality on the acceptance of the dying process: perceptions of nursing professionals

Abstract

This study analyzed the influence of spirituality on the acceptance of the dying process from the perspective of nursing professionals. Based on philosophical and existential references such as Heidegger and Seneca, the study highlights spirituality as an essential dimension of holistic care, distinct from religiosity but capable of providing meaning and comfort in the face of finitude. This is an integrative literature review, descriptive in nature, which used the PICo strategy to formulate the guiding question. Searches were conducted in the LILACS, SciELO, PubMed, and Scopus databases between August and October 2025, using the descriptors “Death,” “Life,” “Spirituality,” and “Nursing.” After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, nine articles were selected for analysis. The results showed that spirituality significantly contributes to the acceptance of death, promoting spiritual well-being, resilience, and serenity in patients and professionals. However, a lack of technical and institutional preparation to address spiritual issues in hospital settings was identified, limiting comprehensive care. It was also observed that integrating spirituality into nursing practice strengthens humanization, encourages empathetic listening, and reduces spiritual suffering. It is concluded that recognizing this dimension is essential for person-centered care and that academic training should include content on spirituality, sensitive listening, and respect for beliefs. Thus, spiritual care constitutes an indispensable component for ethical, compassionate, and humanized nursing practice in end-of-life contexts.