by MnMnurse

I am currently going to school to become an RN. I am very interested in natural health and have recently found out about holistic nursing. It intrigues me quite a bit. However, I would like some more information about the practical application of a degree in holistic nursing. What is the job market like? How much money do holistic nurses generally make? I would love to have a career in the natural healthcare field, however, I would also love to financially support my family. Any information, or references to where I can get more information, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Re: Need info about holistic nursing careers

This is also one of my areas of interest. I have a BS in nutrition and have found that there actually aren't as many opportunities there for alternatives to the mainstream unless you have other degrees/certificates to go along with it. Networking and marketing oneself are key.
I took a class on therapeutic touch back in college and some philosophy on eastern medicine, a biofeedback course, meditation, etc. From a nursing perspective, I am sort of getting the feeling that a "holistic nurse" is just a self-designated label as opposed to an actual position. I believe there are positions for RNs in alternative-type clinics, but one would really need a second specialty at minimum. Massage, for example. You could also be a certified herbalist, as another example. A holistic nurse is someone qualified in another area, dealing with complementary care.

Re: Need info about holistic nursing careers

Holistic Nursing is a recognized specialty. Registered Nurses with a minimum of a Bachelor's degree may become certified in Holistic Nursing (just like a nurse can be certified in Med/Surg or Pediatrics). Becoming certified in Holistic Nursing is a far cry from being just a self-designated title, holding a certificate in an alternative/complementary therapy, or simply just "thinking in a holistic manner".

For more information please go to the website of the American Holistic Nurses Association. www.ahna.org

Re: Need info about holistic nursing careers

You're totally correct. You can become a certified "holistic nurse" and it would be wise to do so. The specialties that I spoke of previously are areas of focus. I'm assuming that a holistic nurse would be interested in alternative modes of care and would want a more intergrated approach to nursing, leading them away from the typical allopathic model (hospital floor nurse). This would typically require gaining additional skills. Otherwise, the title "holistic nurse" doesn't really mean anything except a recognition of wholeness and connectedness. This is lovely and should be felt by all nurses, but the practical side of additional skills may be useful, even in a traditional setting.
The certification that you have promoted actually lists areas of specialty for further study.