PURPOSE:The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a spirituality promotion program on spirituality, empathy and stress in nursing students.

METHODS:This study used one-group pretest-posttest design. Participants were 162 nursing students who participated in the spirituality program at C University in Seoul between 2014 and 2016. The effects of this study were measured using the Spirituality Assessment Scale, Toronto Empathy Questionnaire and Perceived Stress Scale-10. Data were analyzed using paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test.

RESULTS:Spirituality increased significantly (Z=−8.06, p<.001), empathy also increased significantly (Z=−2.05, p=.040) and perceived stress decreased significantly (t=5.59, p<.001) after the spirituality promotion program.

CONCLUSION:Results show that the spirituality promotion program is an effective intervention to improve spirituality and empathy and reduce stress for nursing students. Therefore, this study proposes utilization of this spirituality promotion program with nursing students so that they can take care of themselves and develop the ability to perform holistic nursing care for patients.