Holistic nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who use both traditional nursing skills as well as nontraditional forms of treatment or medicine for optimal patient health.
These nurses also support wellness and healing through energy-based therapies like therapeutic touch and Reiki, and promote healthy living through dietetic counseling and natural remedies.
Education
Holistic nursing is a form of healthcare that treats the individual as an integrated entity rather than treating symptoms individually. Holistic nurses utilize their knowledge to assist their patients in improving overall health and wellbeing by making lifestyle changes such as dietary adjustments or stress-relieving workouts, or by attending spiritual, mental, and emotional wellness events to assist in healing processes.
Education requirements to become a holistic nurse practitioner vary by state, with most necessitating at least a bachelor’s degree and registered nursing license as minimum requirements. You can obtain more information regarding this topic from the board of nursing in your state; some require background checks, fingerprinting or university transcripts while others have additional needs, such as completion of a practicum or work experience requirement.
As well as graduating a degree program, holistic nurses require substantial clinical experience in nursing to qualify for this career path. You can earn a postgraduate master’s degree in holistic nursing to prepare yourself for job market demands while learning how to implement holistic principles into patient care practices. Many holistic nurses also study complementary and alternative medicines in addition to holistic practices.
Some holistic nurses opt to pursue an entrepreneurial route by working in private practice. This allows them to offer tailored care for each of their patients – which is extremely rewarding! In some instances, such nurses can obtain specialty certification from the American Holistic Nursing Credentialing Corporation which recognizes their knowledge and skillset related to holistic healthcare.
To become a holistic nurse practitioner, first you must become registered as an RN. You can earn either a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in nursing from an accredited university or vocational school and pass your state licensure exam; or complete an associate degree program through community colleges or diploma programs. Furthermore, earning a master’s in holistic nursing may give you an edge in the job market as this curriculum equips students to consider all of the factors impacting patient’s illnesses and injuries in totality.
Certification
Holistic nursing integrates natural healing practices with clinical knowledge to promote holistic wellness across mind, body and spirit. This career can be extremely satisfying for medical experts who wish to extend their medical expertise into an exciting new area. Many holistic nurse practitioners also offer health coaching through the National School of Health Coaching (NSHC), an organization offering an online program which facilitates this credential attainment process.
To become a holistic nurse practitioner, it’s necessary to earn both an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing before becoming licensed by your state as an RN. Earn an ADN or BSN (there are programs that offer BSN degrees within 18 months!). Furthermore, consider going further by enrolling in an advanced master’s degree program).
Certification processes vary between states, but all nurses must fulfill the requirements for licensure prior to practicing nursing. This includes passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). You also must complete one year of full-time practice and 48 hours of continuing education in holistic nursing theory, research, and practice topics.
Holistic nurse practitioners take an inclusive approach to patient care. Beyond traditional registered nursing responsibilities like assessing patients, ordering or performing medical tests and administering treatments, holistic nurse practitioners provide additional therapies designed to promote overall wellbeing for their patients – such as diet adjustments or stress-relieving workouts or other forms of self-care techniques.
Though holistic nursing covers various levels, its basic level involves registered nurses (RN) with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing school who are licensed in their state. If one wishes to advance their careers further they could opt for advanced certification such as the AHN-BC (Holistic Nurse Board Certified).
The American Holistic Nurses Association provides support and resources for nurses with holistic philosophies, from an annual conference to discussion forums online and publications like 1983’s Journal of Holistic Nursing which serves healthcare professionals.
Work environment
Holistic nurse practitioners work in various environments, such as hospitals, clinics, hospices and private practices. They combine traditional medical interventions with alternative therapies like massage and acupuncture in treating their patients; additionally they educate them about healthy lifestyle practices and self-care techniques. To become one, the first step to becoming one involves obtaining a registered nursing license; requirements may differ between states but most require at least a bachelor’s degree and passing score on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
Experience is of vital importance for holistic nurses. This enables them to assess patients comprehensively and identify underlying causes of symptoms. Holistic nurses tend to be attentive, kind and good listeners. Furthermore, they take an holistic approach by viewing their patients as whole people rather than diseases or conditions; and incorporate wellness principles into their treatment plans, meeting both emotional and spiritual needs of patients.
Holistic nurse practitioners offer patients a holistic approach to managing chronic conditions like diabetes that may involve prescribing medication as well as suggesting herbs, homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplements and other natural therapies such as massage and acupuncture to improve patient outcomes. Furthermore, holistic approaches may include massage and acupuncture as well as lifestyle modifications to boost health – this holistic approach being especially useful when managing the causes of these chronic illnesses holistically.
Holistic nurses require excellent communication skills in addition to medical expertise. They must connect with their patients and explain complex medical procedures in a way that makes sense to them, while being able to recognize signs of emotional distress quickly and treat accordingly.
Becoming a holistic nurse practitioner requires rigorous education and training, beginning with an associate’s degree in nursing before earning their BSN degree and sitting for National Council Licensure Examination-RN before eventually going on to earn their master’s in nursing (MSN). Only upon successful completion of these programs can one become qualified as holistic nurses.
Salary
The salary for holistic nurse practitioners varies based on their level of education, experience and skills; it’s also essential to factor in cost of living costs when making comparisons between salaries. Furthermore, it is wise to research potential employers and work environments before settling on one; typically holistic nursing salaries tend to be higher in areas with more hospitals or healthcare providers nearby.
Holistic nursing is an ever-evolving field within healthcare. Holistic practitioners use various treatments, such as meditation, massage therapy and acupuncture, to help their patients. Furthermore, holistic nurses encourage healthy lifestyle habits and stress reduction so that patients may reach their wellness goals more easily – as well as provide telehealth services if applicable.
Step one in becoming a holistic nurse is earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This four-year program typically entails hands-on clinical experiences as well as hands-on lab work. There may also be accelerated programs available that enable you to earn this degree in 12 months. Once you’ve earned this credential, you can apply to become a registered nurse.
After finishing your RN training, pursuing a master’s degree in holistic nursing is the next logical step. These programs typically last 18 to 24 months and will prepare you for more advanced roles within medicine; upon graduation you’ll be able to offer alternative forms of treatment in addition to pharmaceutical drugs for patients.
As well as traditional medicine, holistic nurses use energy-based healing methods such as Reiki and healing touch in addition to yoga and tai chi in their practices – something which can be extremely helpful when helping patients deal with depression, anxiety or other emotional conditions which could compromise physical wellbeing.
Many holistic nurses work for hospitals or healthcare systems, while some opt to practice independently. Independent practitioners may work in private practices, wellness centers and telehealth services; hospice and palliative care organizations also frequently hire them as end-of-life caregivers – this career path offers financial and emotional rewards alike!
