Summary Spirituality is often equated or used synonymously with the word religion but it appears this concept can be defined in broader terms. Nurses do not appear to consider spirituality adequately in clinical practice but if holistic care is to be given to patients it is essential that the spiritual component of individuals is addressed. This paper explores the concepts of spirituality and clinical practice. Clarification of the term spirituality is given followed by a critical review of the literature in order to establish its relevance to nursing practice and to what extent patients' spiritual needs are met. Aspects of spiritual assessment and spiritual care are also outlined. It is suggested that nurse education may help nurses incorporate spirituality into clinical practice by increasing their knowledge and understanding of such a concept.

With the large number of National Guard members and reservists being deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, public educators find themselves endeavoring to support the emotional and academic needs of military children and their families. Military children may exhibit behavioral and emotional difficulties during these deployments. Educator awareness of the factors impacting the adjustment and resiliency of deployed reservists' children, their unique needs, and academic, emotional, and behavioral supports can ensure these children's educational success. In this article, the authors discuss issues of needs, recommend supports, and provide resources for educators. They also present examples of schoolwide, teacher-focused, student-focused, and family-focused supports and describe activities that educators can incorporate into specific instructional areas.

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In April 1991, the government announced the development of a new research and development programme for the NHS. Professor Michael Peckham was duly appointed Director and the first strategy document appeared in September of the same year (DOH, 1991). The suitably broad objective of the strategy is to “ensure that the content and delivery of care in the NHS is based on high quality research relevant to improving the health of the nation”.

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