What is a Holistic Nurse
Conventional or traditional medicine is based on modern science. It includes treatments like drugs, surgery, radiation, and other conventional methods, and it takes a generalized approach instead of an individual approach. A holistic nurse does not practice traditional methods. (1)
Nurses who work in holistic medicine treat the whole person with alternative approaches. A traditional approach is treating a specific problem. A holistic approach is treating the entire person or considering the whole person. Therefore, these nurses do their jobs by treating their patients as whole persons.
How fast is holistic medicine growing?
The holistic care business is growing and growing in America. As early as 2011, 40 percent of American adults and 12 percent of American children have used alternative medicine in some form. (2) Various medical professionals practice holistic approaches. In the United States, there are approximately 5,500 holistic nurses, according to the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA). (3)
What is holistic nursing?
Holistic nursing is an interdisciplinary practice based on the concept of holism- the idea that wholeness is essential for health. It is an approach to healing that includes a patient’s mind, body, emotions, and spirit as separate yet interconnected parts of the same whole. Such nurses care for their patient’s physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being. In other words, they treat the whole person rather than just the symptoms.
Nurses in the holistic profession are health professionals who have a deep understanding of human life and are dedicated to bringing joy and happiness to their patients. Therefore, such a nurse attends to their mental health as well as the mental health of their patients.
Why do people like holistic approaches?
Holistic nursing has become more popular because people are becoming more health-conscious and seeking new ways to treat illness. This is due to increased awareness of alternative medicine and healthy living trends, as well as increased technological advances making such treatments possible. Holistic approaches have taken off in certain states, such as California and Colorado.
To become such a nurse, you need to complete the education to become a registered nurse in your state and obtain a holistic nurse certification. They can work in hospitals, long-term care, private practice, academic settings, etc. Therefore, if you are a registered nurse, you can become a holistic one because it branches off of standard nursing.
The holistic approach promotes self-awareness, inner peace, and mental strength. Such a nurse will suggest mindfulness-based practices such as yoga and meditation to achieve mental wellness. He will also help his patients with their nutritional needs by suggesting healthy food choices. In addition, she will listen to her patient’s problems and offer them advice or refer them to a specialist for further assistance. (4)
Nurses in the holistic profession make use of alternative medicine in their practices. They may use homeopathy, naturopathy, Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and other traditional methods. Some of these nurses practice traditional medicine, too; they use antibiotics and other modern treatments when necessary. In addition, they can refer patients to alternative specialists when necessary. To become such a nurse, you must be well-versed in many healthcare philosophies, practices, and modalities.
Holistic nurses must be willing and able to work with a wide variety of patients. They must be open-minded to all cultures to better understand their patients’ needs. In addition, they must be willing to take time off from their practice to meditate or attend yoga classes so that they can develop inner peace themselves. Ultimately, a holistic nurse wants his patients to enjoy life here on Earth and hereafter.
The unique aspect of holistic nursing is that nurses are expected to care for their minds, body, and spirit. This includes self-care, reflection and spirituality, and self-responsibility. Why? Because with such nurses, the nurse’s health affects the patient’s health. One who takes care of themselves is better rested and more emotionally available to patients. You wouldn’t want to be such a nurse who only sleeps three hours a day, eats junk food, and smokes cigarettes. You must practice what you preach.
Patients seek out nurses in the holistic profession when they have an injury, chronic ailment, or are facing a terminal disease. Doctors who practice holistic medicine often specialize in it through additional education or additional certifications.
A holistic approach can improve many aspects of life for people who believe in it. However, this approach only solves some problems and may only sometimes work as planned. A traditional approach to a medical problem may be more suitable than a holistic approach. Ultimately, it’s up to the patient to determine which way he or she wants to go. Nonetheless, it is an interesting way to view the world; it helps us become stronger individuals with a better focus on our personal goals. One should visit a holistic nurse to experience an alternative and practical medical approach. Check out The Nurse Coach Collective for more information.