ABSTRACT
Families find it helpful and supportive to find caring staff who do not regard them as 'peculiar' or 'strange' and who have taken the trouble to learn something of their customs and beliefs. It makes an enormous difference to the relationships between nurses, family, friends and the patient if this can be the case, and would be valuable for that alone – if that were all that was achieved. The signs of emotional distress, desire to fulfil religious ritual, concern with the customs of particular cultural or religious groups. A desire to somehow make one's peace with the world, and make amends with those one thinks one has harmed or offended, are all possible indicators of spiritual need and longings. With this in mind nurses, who are sitting with ill patients, trying to bring them comfort and asking them about their needs and desires.
