Meaning Making in Mayhem: The Impact of Pastoral Care on Inpatient Psychiatric Patients

Introduction: The intersection between pastoral care and inpatient psychiatric patients has seldom been addressed with limited studies identifying positive outcomes. In aiming to provide the best evidence-based nursing care to psychiatric patients, further exploration into the efficacy and reported effects of pastoral care is needed. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to explore the perceived impact of pastoral care for inpatient psychiatric patients from the provider’s perspective. Methods: Six pastoral care providers were interviewed about their experience caring for inpatient psychiatric patients. An interview guide was created before interviews and field notes were taken throughout. Careful line-by-line thematic analysis of the field notes facilitated theme identification. Results: This project identified five major themes as perceived impacts of pastoral care for inpatient psychiatric patients: navigating the development of positive self-regulation strategies, acceptance and affirmation through normalization and destigmatization, meaning making, “God is here too”: intentionality is exploring religious beliefs, and internalized negative self-concept. Implications to Nursing Practice: Results indicate that nurses should continually assess and converse with their patients, and be educated on pastoral care resources and referral procedures. Additionally, nurses should have a strong foundational understanding of the pastoral care provider’s role, and what resources their hospital offers. It is of the utmost importance that nurses seek out and attend applicable training regarding spiritual care.<p></p>