How to Become a Holistic Nurse Practitioner
Holistic nurse practitioners (HNPs) are advanced practice registered nurses who use an integrative approach to patient care based on Florence Nightingale’s philosophy, taking into account physical, emotional, spiritual and environmental factors as contributors to health.
To become a holistic nurse practitioner (NP), first obtain your nursing degree and license. From there you can select an area of specialty.
Education
Holistic nurse practitioners (HNPs) work in various healthcare environments, from hospitals and integrative health clinics to integrative therapies centers and holistic practices clinics. As advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), these experts in holistic care utilize conventional medicine in tandem with alternative approaches like acupuncture, mindfulness techniques, herbal remedies or lifestyle counseling such as diet adjustments or stress relieving exercises to ensure patients achieve overall wellbeing.
Becoming a holistic nurse practitioner requires earning either an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in nursing, followed by licensure from your state board of nursing – for more information visit National Council of State Boards of Nursing for guidance.
Nurses interested in holistic nursing must enroll in a graduate-level program to attain an advanced degree such as a master’s or doctorate in family nurse practitioner (FNP) studies. Such programs offer comprehensive education about complementary and alternative therapies as well as traditional nursing skills, helping the student integrate them into patient care while cultivating an in-depth understanding of physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
Certification as a holistic nurse isn’t mandatory, but achieving it can enhance job opportunities and allow nurses to provide more tailored patient care. The American Holistic Nurses Association offers education, resources, and multiple certification options for nurses interested in holistic medicine; additionally they help nurses locate training or continuing education programs near them.
Entry-level certification requires graduating from a nationally accredited nursing program and holding an active APRN license, while for advanced practice credential requirements it requires both graduating from an accredited nursing school as well as taking and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs; those who successfully obtain this credential will be designated with either an AHN-BC or APHN-BC designation by American Holistic Nurses Certification Corporation.
Experience
Holistic nursing is a philosophy that considers both emotional and spiritual aspects of healing for its patients, dating back to Florence Nightingale’s practice and founded on the notion that all levels of the body must be healed – not just physical ones. Nurse practitioners specializing in holistic care may work in any healthcare setting using various strategies such as mind-body practices and energy therapies to aid healing for their patients.
As your first step to becoming a holistic nurse, earning an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) should be your initial priority. An ADN can usually be completed within 18 to two years and provides all of the skills necessary for general nurse practice work; however, most nurse practitioners opt for earning their bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which takes four years and provides them with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experience in their chosen specialty area of nursing.
Once you have earned your degree, the next step in becoming a registered nurse (RN) is taking part in the National Council Licensure Examination RN, or NCLEX-RN. This rigorous exam measures your ability to treat patients safely and effectively; upon passing you will become an RN; additionally holistic nurse certification programs exist and once passed can lead to further certification opportunities.
Some nurses opt to gain additional certification in specific treatment techniques such as mindfulness meditation or acupuncture, while others pursue continuing education opportunities to remain up-to-date with all of the latest research, theories and therapies in holistic healthcare.
Holistic nurses’ daily duties enable them to understand the full impact of illness on a person both physically and psychologically, with this knowledge often applied toward helping patients manage issues like stress, anxiety, and depression that often accompany chronic illnesses.
Experience, qualifications and patience are essential qualities in holistic nurses; those interested in this career path should expect promising prospects as healthcare becomes more focused on natural approaches to healing; this profession will only expand as time progresses.
Certification
Holistic nurses use both Eastern and Western approaches to promote physical, emotional and spiritual healing in their clients. By treating the whole person – root causes as well as symptoms – alternative therapies like herbal medicine and acupuncture may be offered, as well as lifestyle modifications that improve health while decreasing chances of illness recurrence; diet adjustments or stress-relieving workouts could all be recommended by holistic nurses.
Certification as a holistic nurse involves passing an exam and demonstrating advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities. Continuing education courses may also be available to keep nurses current on research findings and techniques within their field. Course topics might include mind-body techniques, nutrition and energy healing. Furthermore, certified holistic nurses often receive higher salaries due to their advanced understanding and expertise within their chosen specialty field.
Holistic nurse practitioners (NPs), unlike traditional nurses who tend to focus on only physical needs of their patients, establish strong and trusting relationships while connecting on an emotional level with patients. Holistic NPs are known for being compassionate listeners able to actively listen and understand a patient’s worries or fears more easily than most traditional nurses could ever hope for. Furthermore, holistic NPs may even identify the source of health issues by considering cultural and familial backgrounds as well as physical and emotional states when providing health solutions.
As part of their role, holistic NPs also educate their patients on wellness and preventive healthcare. They assist their patients in making healthy choices in areas like diet, exercise and sleep; explaining how poor habits in these areas can negatively impact health; while encouraging self-healing practices such as mindfulness meditation or therapeutic touch.
Holistic Nurse Practitioner (Holistic NP) practices can vary widely by state, and those interested in this field must complete either an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and become registered nurses before taking an exam that tests advanced holistic nursing techniques and certification – this national certification exam ensures RNs remain up-to-date on any advances made within holistic nursing.
Licensing
As with other nurse practitioners, holistic nurse practitioners must possess both a nursing degree and Registered Nurse license to practice holistic health. If seeking advanced certification in holistic health, master’s degree programs that specialize in this form of care must also be completed; some holistic nurse practitioners also seek alternative therapy and wellness coaching certification to further complement their knowledge of integrative medicine and natural healing techniques.
Holistic nurses must also fulfill state licensing requirements to practice, which typically involves attaining several years of nursing experience and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). While many holistic nurse practitioners work within traditional healthcare settings while building up experience, others seek opportunities outside healthcare providers or communities for holistic practice opportunities.
Holistic nurse practitioners, or holistic NPs, are registered nurses that possess broad nursing abilities and develop deeper relationships with patients. In this role, they often combine modern medical treatments with alternative therapies and natural remedies in order to treat patients holistically; taking into account physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and environmental aspects for effective long-term wellness care.
Nursing schools typically offer various specializations, including holistic health. This program teaches students to address a patient’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing; additionally it examines how different aspects of a patient’s life such as stress or diet can influence his/her physical wellbeing.
Holistic nurses recognize that emotional state can play an integral role in healing from illness or surgery, so they may use techniques such as guided meditation or therapeutic touch to reduce patient anxiety.
At Texas Woman’s University, our fully online MSN-FNP program can equip you with the skills required for holistic primary care practice. Our CCNE-accredited curriculum equips students to deliver advanced clinical care across various patient populations while meeting America’s increasing need for holistic primary care providers.