We can start with the official definition.
Holistic nursing is defined as “all nursing practice that has healing the whole person as its goal” (American Holistic Nurses’ Association, 1998, Description of Holistic Nursing). The AHNA goes on to say that it is “a specialty practice that draws on nursing knowledge, theories, expertise and intuition to guide nurses in becoming therapeutic partners with people in their care. This practice recognizes the totality of the human being - the interconnectedness of body, mind, emotion, spirit, social/cultural, relationship, context, and environment.”
When I read this definition, I automatically think of the word ‘nurse.’ Isn’t every nurse’s goal to practice for the promotion of healing? Don’t all nurses use knowledge, theory and experience to guide their practice?
As you can see, the official definition is a bit broad. So here are 4 more signs to know if you’re a ‘holistic’ nurse:
Mind-body-spirit
When you approach a patient you don’t just see a ‘physical body’ presented before you. As you’re taking a patient’s history and listening to their story, you automatically are coming up with further questions. What’s happening beneath the physical process? Where’s the root cause? How are mind, emotions, energies and spirituality coming into play? You know that a physical symptom is actually an end result of something that goes potentially much deeper than what can be seen with the naked eye.
Complementary therapies
Once you build a rapport with your patient, you start discuss the methods this patient has tried, is using, or has thought of as potentially helpful. While you value and practice conventional medicine, never interfering with the plan, a conversation with the patient begins on modalities that may help enhance the treatment received. You’re potentially knowledgeable about breath, power of thought, sound healing and aromatherapy. It’s fun to partner with the patient to see what works best for them.
Self-care, self-reflection, and spirituality
You walk your talk. You know as a nurse it’s vitally important for you to have your own self-care routine. Maybe you spend time in nature, take a dance class, or enjoy cooking exotic meals. Curiosity, new knowledge, continuous questioning, and growth are all safe spaces for you. You can feel the presence of a greater power in this world and trust in the knowing that we are all connected; we are all OK.
Healing process
The way you approach medicine differs slightly than the conventional way. While the provider may want to treat and cure the patient, you understand that healing happens in a variety of ways. You see each experience as an opportunity to learn, grow and change. And maybe the outcome isn’t to continue life, as you understand there is healing in the death process as well. Making the patient comfortable and enhancing the quality of their lives are important goals for you.
Isn’t it a fun way to practice nursing? And no one way is ‘right’ or wrong. Holistic nursing is a fascinating experience, a journey along your way. It’s a journey you can share with your patients and clients every day.
Join us on May 14th for The Art of Nursing!
You’re invited to a special Nurses Week event dedicated to bringing back the art of nursing—that healing presence and patient-focused practice that Florence Nightingale first envisioned. Find out more by visiting the event site.
- See more at:
http://www.nursetogether.com/you-know-your...
Posted By: Jen Fad
Monday, April 14th 2014 at 12:37AM
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