ABSTRACT
Participant responses conveyed an understanding of the significance of particular ways of behaving towards others, in order to develop trust and rapport, as a conduit of spiritual care. Establishing a rapport is considered fundamental to a relationship of trust. Caring conversation is a means of exploring the patient's personal suffering. Ritualistic practices are described by McLeod and Wright as those prescribed for all accessing a service. Verbal communication is not always considered necessary in establishing a rapport, but the supportive presence of just sitting with a patient may induce sufficient confidence to enable them to begin to share their worst fears. Time as a commodity was inferred, or referred to, by many respondents in their accounts of communicating and being with patients. Nurses need to maintain their own well-being, their personal spiritual integrity, if they are to provide spiritual care in situations of loss.
