Exploring the Modern Evolution of Holistic Nursing
Holistic nursing can be a bit confusing, so let’s clear things up. Many holistic medicine practitioners often avoid pharmaceuticals and treatments like radiation or chemotherapy. However, nurses typically follow doctors’ orders, which means they administer prescribed medications. This raises the question: can one be a holistic nurse today?
First, let’s define holistic nursing and then explore how one can practice it.
### A New Specialization
Holistic nursing has been recognized as its own specialty since 2006, when the American Nurses Association officially acknowledged it. This is a developing field that many nurses are eager to understand better. Despite concerns, holistic nurses can indeed administer traditional treatments and pharmaceuticals.
Holistic nursing treats the whole person—body, mind, spirit, and emotions. This approach considers how all aspects of a patient’s life are connected and is particularly effective in areas like hospice care.
### Educating Today’s Nurses
More nurses are interested in a holistic approach, raising the question of how it’s taught. While some schools specialize in holistic nursing, it’s also possible to integrate this approach into more traditional programs.
A Registered Nurse (RN) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can teach Practical Nursing. To specialize in holistic nursing education as an RN, one would typically need a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Generally, an educator must hold a degree higher than the one they’re teaching. With an MSN, a nurse can teach holistic nursing to RNs they train.
### Holistic Nursing Beyond Hospice
Holistic nursing has often been associated with hospice care, addressing the interconnectivity of body, mind, and spirit for both patients nearing the end of life and their families. However, the principles of holistic nursing have expanded well beyond hospice.
Today, holistic nursing is widely recognized for its impact on overall quality of life. By focusing on the interconnectedness of a person’s entire being, holistic nurses aim to improve health and promote self-care, emphasizing illness prevention over treatment.
It’s an inspiring concept. Holistic nurses not only use traditional methods but also educate patients on integrating various aspects of their lives for better health. Whether you’re looking to become a nurse educator or simply want to enhance your patient care, exploring holistic nursing in the 21st century is worth your consideration.
