The spiritual dimension is described and is interpreted as the need for: meaning, purpose and fulfillment in life; hope/will to live; belief and faith. As the spiritual dimension is important for the attainment of an overall sense of health, well-being and quality of life (referred to as the health potential) and as illness and hospitalisation can precipitate spiritual distress, patients' spiritual needs should be addressed. The nurse's role in spiritual care is discussed with reference to the nursing literature.