Serenity as a goal for nursing practice.

PURPOSE To extend a conceptual analysis of serenity by explaining how serenity develops and to present an analysis of serenity interventions. SIGNIFICANCE Serenity is highly desired by many. There is evidence that the experience of serenity improves health. The information presented proposes how nurses can use knowledge about serenity in practice. ORGANIZING FRAMEWORK Serenity is viewed as a learned, positive emotion of inner peace that can be sustained. It is a spiritual concept that decreases perceived stress and improves physical and emotional health. SOURCES AND APPROACH: Results of a conceptual analysis of serenity, research findings related to development of a Serenity Scale, practice experience, and the literature provided a foundation for the analysis. Inductive reasoning and substruction were the primary methods of constructing the proposed relationships. A nursing practice example is included. CONCLUSIONS The experience of serenity is related to development of the higher self. Four levels of serenity are a safe, wise, beneficent, and universal self. Knowledge about serenity can help nurses to select interventions that promote clients' health.