So after being pretty nervous about starting my nursing program, we have finally started. Week 1 done and 51 more weeks to go. I was talking to an instructor of mine and she asked what made me interested in nursing. I told her that I am looking forward to explore all aspects of nursing by Emergency would be my top choice. I asked her what future might there be in Holistic Nursing. She was pretty thrilled when she heard this question, apparently this is a passion of hers. She is lobbying very hard to get an elective in this area at the school. She believes that soon enough holistic nursing will become more popular.
My question to all you nurses out there is what are your thoughts on this subject? Furthermore, do you believe that this type of practice will indeed become more popular in the future? I would really like to explore the possibility of becoming a N.P. with a specialist in holistic nursing. However, I do not think there is such a program. Do you think this is a possibility for me? Any comments would be greatly appreciated as always.
Holitic nursing is being taught, at least where I got my degree. I think it IS catching on, though we don't really 'call' it Holistic Nursing as such. We, as nurses, see the 'whole' patient, or as much as we can in the hospital. Quite often, we see the 'whole' person in LTC. There is a Journal for Holistic Nursing out there.....
Good luck in the course, and keep us posted!
'Cat'
I'm not sure exactly what YOU mean when you say holistic nursing...but I know we heard the term often in our nurses training. We were often taught nonpharm methods to helping patients and like the other said..helping them as a whole..not just a patient.
I just started nursing school, and already my Health Assessment class has taught that each patient should be treated holistically, or as a whole. That is pretty much the the basis or holistic medicine. Biomedicine, as we practice predominantly here in the US, pretty much defines health as the abscence of pathogens, or being disease free. Holistic medicine, on the other hand, does not just look at the physical ailments. I wish I had my health assessment book right now, but it said something along the lines as holistic medicine believes that all factors in your life can contribute to the disease not just the pathogen. This would include stress, physical activity, social and psychological factors and nutrition. I know that most medical facilities do make the patient aware of certain risk factors in their life. But Holistic nursing spends much more time toward prevention. My goal as a holistic nurse practioner would not only treat the disease but also focus on preventative care and couseling. I would use both medicine, nutrition counseling, meditation, and other proven alternative techniques such as acupuncture to treat a patient. Of course this probably would require me to open up my own clinic one day.
I do not know much about this topic, but the possibilities are there. In 2006 the ANA has just recognized Holistic Nursing as a speciality in nursing.
Cat, are there any specific journals that you read that you may recommend? Also, what school did you graduate from that taught some holistic nursing?
I'll definately keep you guys updated during my journey in nursing school. I'm excited learning the basics of nursing and hopefully down the road I can learn more about the holistic approach.
One of the classes I took in Senior 2 semester was called 'Alternative' medicine. The Chinese acupuncture, Yin/Yang....all make sense. Remember that mind over matter DOES play a part in how we heal. Those with PMA (positive mental influence) do tend to do better.
Went to a college up Chicago way. I will have to look into the journal bit....I promise!
I think it's great that you're so interested in holistic nursing! I too have looked into it. In fact, I went to my naturopathic physician the other day, and his nurse I believe had her masters degree in holistic nursing. He had a brochure in the waiting room that kind of explained what her credentials were, and I think it even said where the program was offered. I wish I would have paid more attention to it now! I really do think that society is becoming more aware of alternative medicine along with holistic nursing, and I think it's just a matter of time before society is more accepting and understanding of it.
Next time I go to my naturopath, I'll pick up one of those brochures and read into it a little more. I'll let you know what I find out! :)
Wsustud, if you a hold of that brochure I'll appreciate it if you send the information my way. Thanks!!!
So great to hear of your interest. I have been an RN for 40 years and have independantly studied and practiced Holistic Nursing for 30 of those years.
As a result of this valued information I am happy to report that I am enjoying good health as are my family members and friends and patients who have tapped into my passion for prevention and overall wellness.
Yes, there is a better way. We definately need Doctors and hospitals but I beleive teaching wellness and a better way of life to those who share the interest is the better approach.
To Quote Thomas Edison..."the Physician of the future will no longer treat sickness and disease with medicine but rather will cure and prevent diseases with nutrition."
Hi, all! In light of Holistic Nursing being widespread (though most nurses aren't aware of it), I moved this thread to its new Forum, Holistic Nursing. I believe we can all learn from the subject. Thanks for the idea, Fil!
'Cat'
Cat, thank you so much for setting this forum up and posting the journals and link to certification. Healthy RN, that is great that you are practicing Holistic Nursing and that it has contributed to good health for you and your family. The field just fascinates and I am looking forward to learning much more about this.
No problem, Fil! I am sure we will have a few good discussions on treating the 'whole' patient.
I know there are a few more links out there I need to download.... :D
I graduated nursing school in 1967. Back then most of what we did could be considered Holistic as we all were "bedside nurses." We saw the patient as a whole and cared for them as a whole. Their pain became our pain and their joy's became our joy's. This made me a great nurse for as I related to their suffering so was I able to meet their needs and help them reach a level of wellness that medications alone could not do.
I have never changed my approach nor my beleifs. I left hospital nursing and persued herbal medicine and nutrition independantly and as a Home Care nurse taught my patients the proper care and functioning of their bodies and what wellness is all about.
This is definately the way of the future. We are the Baby Boomer generation and none of us wants to end up in this system of health care as our parents have....Quantity without Quality.
My choice is to live life to it's fullest and that can only be accomplished with health. I teach my patients a Better Way... the way to good health.
P.S. ..... alway's remember to take care of yourself. Nursing can be very draining since we give physically, mentally and emmotionally then have our own issues to deal with. You have to know how to love yourself before you can love and care for someone else.
Conveying wellness means we need to learn what wellness is and how to accomplish it for ourselves.
I will never regret my nursing studies and medical studies. It has provided for me a firm foundation upon which to build and grow and help myself as well as my fellow man. Tap into the resources the internet has provided for free and allow your common sense and gut instincts to guide. We only learn by doing and asking.
Holistic nurses are the best nurses... we touch the heart and the mind where healing actually takes place. I love it.
Thanks for you posts Healthy RN. I do agree that we must take care of ourselves. It's easy for nurses to get burned out because they fail to do this. What forms of holistic nursing do you practice? (I.E. touch therapy, mediatation, acupuncture...)
