In terms of a manmade disaster, the after effects can include: distrust in the community, hopelessness for individuals, and a sense of struggle for health care providers. Spirituality is an aspect of life that is important to some and non-important to others. In my personal opinion, we all have some form of spirituality and sense of being within us, even though it may be blocked out consciously and emotionally from someone. Disasters can change someone obviously physically, but internally as well. Disaster can cause a sense of impending doom that can come and go after the disaster has ended. This may lead someone to lean on spiritual aspects, or it may cause the reverse and enable someone to change their beliefs and initiate negativity and hopelessness.

Communities can develop a sense of distrust in each other, in their faith, and in their future. The spiritual strength that held a community together previously to the disaster could become disrupted and can result in complete chaos and misunderstanding.

For healthcare providers, the aspect of spirituality can be brought to light quickly when being involved in a disaster. The feelings of sadness, despair, and grief from viewing trauma to innocent individuals may cause healthcare providers to seek religious and spiritual healing to restore their faith and guidance.

Understanding an individual’s view on spirituality and its possibility to help an individual heal is necessary, especially in a time of disaster, regardless of the cause. A community health nurse can assist in spiritual care of individuals, the community, and colleagues by recognizing and assessing for this trait and the individual and community view. This will promote understanding and compassionate individualized care, which can result in faster healing and recovery.

“Patients may be asking questions such as the following: Why is this happening