Background:Spirituality is one of the key predictors of health, happiness, and life satisfaction in older adults. Nurses with higher competence in providing spiritual care contribute to improved patient satisfaction and quality of nursing care. This study aimed to assess spirituality and spiritual care competence among nurses working in educational and medical centers in Babol, Iran. Methods:This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 on 301 nurses selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the validated van Leeuwen Spiritual Care Competence Scale and the McSherry Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16 through one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), independent t-test, and Pearson correlation coefficient. Results:The mean score of spiritual care competence was 86.22 ± 20.49, and the mean spirituality score was 53.86 ± 12.83. A significant positive correlation was observed between spirituality and spiritual care competence. Nurses with higher educational levels had greater spirituality (p < 0.001), and competence was directly related to job position, employment type, and years of experience (p < 0.001). Head nurses, formally employed, and more experienced nurses demonstrated higher competence in spiritual care. Conclusion:Although the spirituality and spiritual care competence levels among nurses were acceptable, employing nurses with higher education, professional rank, and work experience may enhance the quality of spiritual care for older adults.
taghlili F, valizadehotaghsara S Z, barzegarimarzoni T, kiapour A. Evaluation of Nurses’ Spirituality and Competence in Providing Spiritual Care for Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study. IJNR 2026; 21 (1) :49-57 URL: http://ijnr.ir/article-1-3005-en.html