Holistic nursing is defined as the nursing practice that heals the entire person. A licensed nurse is generally considered as a holistic nurse and the approach taken in such an environment is related to mind-body-spirit and emotion.
This holistic nursing practice is generally based on the philosophy of care, interconnectedness as well as relationship. It integrates and recognises the different principles on the basis of holistic healing process in daily life as well as clinical practices.
There should be integration of self-care, spirituality, reflection as well as self-responsibility through this holistic form of nursing.
History of Holistic Nursing
The concept of holistic nursing is based on the work carried out by Florence Nightingale.
The development of theory of holistic nursing is carried out by Dossey and thus it includes integration of worldwide views so as to build a holistic and solid approach. This theory is expected to explain the function of the inner world and thus it is one of the important components of nursing.
The American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) was established in 1980 and thus it is considered as the leading voice of the holistic nurses for the promotion and the education of the nurses in research, practice and philosophy.
Further, the American Holistic Nurses Certification Corporation (AHNCC) was established in 1997 in order to provide better credentials to the holistic nurses.
There is a collaborative relationship between AHNCC and AHNA and thus it will assist in advancing the role of holistic nurses. Moreover, it will also provide educational opportunities to the holistic nurses.
Educational Requisites of Holistic Nurses
A holistic nurse must attend a university or college in order to pursue the degree of ADN or BSN.
Further, a holistic nurse must try to pass the National Council Licensure Exam before they are employed in any organisation.
A holistic nurse can also enrol in the master’s program and thus focus on the concept of holistic nursing. This master’s degree will provide higher remuneration to the holistic nurses.
Places where holistic nurses gets employed
A holistic nurse might work in private public establishment, private residents of the patients or at the birth centres. Moreover, some also work in traditional hospitals.
There are different alternative practices, techniques and methods in this particular field of holistic nursing. This will help them to increase their access to work in different venues where traditional nurses requires special permission.
What does a holistic nurse do?
A holistic nurse uses different combination of eastern and western medicine in order to handle the patient and provide them with adequate information about the community.
It has been found that for a holistic nurse, the health of the human being is more than the physical wellbeing of an individual. This will encompass the emotional, psychological, social health and spiritual aspect in a proper way.
It is the responsibility of the holistic nurse to provide better and higher standard care in order to maintain the standard.
There are some common therapies and techniques that are generally used by the holistic nurse such as aromatherapy, massage, assisting patients in stress management, wellness coaching, eastern and Chinese healing practices.
Duties and Role of a holistic nurse
It is necessary to recognise the patient as a whole and this will help in the development of the body-mind and spiritual aspect.
There should be presence of peaceful mind and this will assist in the proper interaction between colleagues and patients.
It is necessary to assess the patient with the help of traditional nursing concepts and other types of therapeutic communication techniques that will help in the identification of different range of factors and thus this is considered as a potential contributor to handle stress.
Nurses must be responsible to ensure the patient that they understand the health, medication, illness and the other treatment processes to their best.
Further, a nurse should also take sufficient time to explain the family members and caregivers of the patient what to do and how to take care of the patient when the nurses are on leave.
A holistic nurse must try to monitor the symptoms and the signs in a proper way and this will help the patient to recover themselves from the illness easily.
A holistic nurse must be involved in the decision making process when providing treatment to the patient. Moreover, it should be checked that the nurse has the ability to assess different symptoms and problems of the patient and provide them proper recommendation when required.
A holistic nurse must also work with the other healthcare workers and thus should be considered as a manager of care. It should be ensured that the treatment of the patient is cohesive and this will confirm the goals of the patient in a better way.