Holistic nursing is a specialty in the field of nursing based on the nursing philosophy of Florence Nightingale, who espoused treating the whole person rather than a single physical symptom or disease. Holistic nurses gain certification through special programs and often become certified in complementary practices as well as in holistic nursing in general.
Definition
According to the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA), holistic nursing is an "all nursing practice that has healing the whole person as its goal." A holistic nurse will not simply attempt to treat the physical symptoms of a disease or condition, but will consider the totality of the person being treated: mental, emotional, spiritual, social, cultural, relational, contextual and environmental aspects.
History
According to AHNA, Florence Nightingale is considered one of the first holistic nurses, a sort of matriarch of the philosophy of holistic nursing care. Though nursing as a whole moved away from the holistic approach endorsed by Nightingale, recent certifications and specializations are making holistic nursing a recognized part of the medical professional arena once again.
Certifications
Various certification programs exist internationally for holistic nurses. One of the most popular is the American Holistic Nurses' Certification Corporation (AHNCC), which offers three separate certification programs: one for nondegreed nurses, one for nurses with a bachelor's degree and one for nurses who wish to obtain an advanced certification. There is a three-step application and testing process with fees required for each step.
Types
Many holistic nurses, in addition to gaining a general certification, also choose to become certified through various means in what are called complementary modalities, according to AHNCC.org. Modalities include acupressure, massage and music therapy.
Benefits
A holistic nurse can be effective in helping patients not only by being aware of physical needs, problems and pain, but also by helping the patient connect those physical issues with causes that might be harder to define, such as those stemming from environmental, social, emotional or mental issues. Having a holistic nurse when battling illness may help patients overcome illness sooner and prevent regression, because the patient has benefited from what AHNCC.org calls "an advanced set of nursing skills."
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