Holistic nurses seek to form stronger bonds with patients by being attentive, kind and good listeners; viewing each person as an integral individual.
Registered nurses must obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing, complete RN clinical hours and pass the NCLEX exam before becoming licensed RNs. Some may choose to further their career by seeking out a master’s degree with an emphasis on holistic care.
Education
Start your education toward becoming a holistic nurse practitioner by earning either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). This will equip you with the basic knowledge and skills required for registration as a registered nurse (RN), which requires passing the National Council Licensure Examination as well as work experience within healthcare environments before becoming a holistic nurse practitioner.
As a holistic nurse, you’ll employ alternative healing approaches such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage therapy and meditation in order to heal patients suffering from chronic illnesses or injuries. Alongside these traditional medical treatments, a holistic nurse may advise patients about nutrition and lifestyle modifications that can facilitate healing.
Holistic nurses believe that physical health is directly related to lifestyle. Therefore, they advocate healthy eating habits, stress reduction exercises and other lifestyle modifications that will boost overall health. Holistic nurses don’t just help patients suffering physical ailments – they also support emotional traumas and mental health conditions.
Holistic nurses frequently collaborate with other healthcare professionals in order to provide optimal care for their patients, such as MDs, NDs, DCs, LAcs and more. Furthermore, holistic nurses educate patients on conventional and alternative medicines as well as ways to effectively combine both approaches into medicine practices.
Dependent upon your state of residence, further certifications or training may be necessary in order to practice as a holistic nurse. You’ll require a license from your state board of nursing as well as certification in specific alternative treatment techniques you wish to offer.
As an advanced practice registered nurse, you can obtain certification through the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation to enhance your credentials in holistic nursing. In order to qualify, you’ll need to be a graduate from an accredited RN program with 500 hours of clinical experience as an RN; pass both written and clinical exams; depending on your state requirements for licensure renewal you may also need continuing education credits in holistic nursing in order to stay current on trends and advancements in holistic care.
Experience
As with registered nurses, holistic nurse practitioners earn their bachelor of nursing degree before earning a license to work. Once licensed as an RN, holistic nurse practitioners often continue their education by earning either an advanced program masters of science in nursing (MSN) or doctorate of nursing practice (DNP). An advanced program provides future holistic nurses with extensive knowledge in integrative medicine techniques and holistic approaches to patient care.
Holistic nurse practitioners take an holistic approach to treating their patients. Utilizing alternative therapies like acupuncture and aromatherapy, holistic nurse practitioners seek to address the cause of patients’ health problems rather than only their surface symptoms; additionally they encourage diet and lifestyle changes that will speed recovery time for patients.
Nurse practitioners working in holistic fields must have a close, trusting relationship with their patients. Spirituality may provide insights into understanding and explaining the source of problems faced by their patients. Furthermore, holistic practitioners are attentive, caring listeners who assist their patients in finding alternative therapy options tailored specifically for them.
Holistic Nurse Practitioners (NPs) use traditional and herbal medicine together as part of their advanced practice nursing skillset, with an introspective approach designed to overcome self-doubt and low self-esteem through mindfulness practices and meditation.
To become a holistic nurse, an RN must complete both a bachelor’s degree in nursing and pass the National Council Licensure Examination to gain their registered nursing license. Once licensed, they may then pursue either a master of science in nursing or doctorate of nursing practice with an emphasis in holistic nursing – typically two year programs offering comprehensive training in complementary medicine and patient-centric care.
Once trained in holistic nursing, holistic nurses must seek certification with the American Holistic Nurses Certification Corporation – the sole official certifying body for holistic nurses valued by employers. To maintain certification status, holistic nurses must participate in continuing education programs every five years to keep up with requirements.
Given the shortage of nurses within healthcare institutions, hospitals and medical centers are actively searching for ways to fill open positions – providing an excellent opportunity for prospective holistic nurse practitioners to pursue their dream careers. Holistic nurses can make an incredible impactful statement about healthcare today by combining traditional and alternative healing methods. From helping surgical patients recover to comforting patients in their final days, holistic nurses make a huge impactful statement in the community they live in. For more information about the career options open to them contact a school today.
Certification
Holistic nurse practitioners (HNPs) take an integrated, patient-centric approach that considers mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing in addition to physical symptoms when providing treatments. Holistic nurses use alternative therapies like acupuncture and mindfulness techniques in their practice – this enables them to pinpoint root causes of illness instead of just managing symptoms.
Becoming a holistic nurse practitioner requires earning either an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing, gaining experience as a registered nurse and then completing a master’s program with a focus in holistic care or integrative health. Many universities provide online MSN programs as an efficient and flexible means to gain an advanced nursing degree – these enable RNs to meet the increasing need for primary care providers while still working full time!
Holistic nurses seeking certification must fulfill state-specific licensing requirements, which may include passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses or NCLEX-RN exam. This comprehensive examination tests a nurse’s abilities to care for patients safely and effectively.
Aspiring holistic nurses must also possess the ability to form trusting and therapeutic relationships with their clients, which allows them to gain a better understanding of each patient’s unique needs and struggles, and provides more efficient treatment solutions.
Holistic nurses-to-be must also cultivate personal healing practices so they can apply this knowledge in their work with patients. This practice, known as the therapeutic use of self, involves making use of one’s personality and skills consciously in order to facilitate healing processes.
Holistic nursing may be relatively niche when compared to mainstream registered nursing, yet it offers numerous advantages to health and wellness practitioners who choose this career path. Not only is it flexible and customizable; its financial rewards may also prove extremely satisfying. Salary figures vary based on practice setting and location; holistic nurses in higher-income areas usually make more money than their counterparts elsewhere in the country; however, exact pay rates depend on various factors like education and experience. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses can expect an annual average income of $86,070; this amount may increase slightly in certain metropolitan areas like Lakes, Alaska or San Francisco, CA. Not only can holistic nurses expect a competitive base salary, but some also receive additional compensation such as health and life insurance, paid time off and continuing education opportunities. It is therefore essential for aspiring holistic nurses to research potential employers and industries before accepting employment in order to prepare themselves for both challenges and rewards inherent to this rewarding career path.
