Travel as a Transformational Spiritual Event. (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Prater, Lyn S.; Riley, Cheryl; Garner, Shelby L.; Spies, Lori A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of transcultural nursing. Volume 27:Number 6(2016)
• Page Start: 546
• Page End: 549
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: baccalaureate programs -- graduate studies -- holistic health -- nursing and anthropology -- nursing practice -- transcultural health; Transcultural nursing -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Cross-cultural studies -- Periodicals; Health attitudes -- Cross-cultural studies -- Periodicals; 610.73
• DOI: 10.1177/1043659615615403
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-6596

Abstract

There is a philosophical connection between elements of travel and elements of spirituality. Nurses can develop spiritual intelligence, hone transcultural skills, and develop cultural humility through travel. Concepts of spiritual intelligence are incorporated to distinguish spirituality from religion. This discussion is to describe the spiritual attributes of travel through exploration of unique cultural sameness and differences, stepping out of one's routine, experiences of solitude, and the application to nursing. Venues such as study abroad, mission trips, cultural exchange opportunities, and service learning projects all can provide meaningful times of transformation, spiritual growth, learning new ways of doing things, and of being in the world. Nurses who integrate these practices into the care they provide daily will be enriched personally and rewarded with improved outcomes.