by nursemae

Hello all! I have recently moved and started working on a local Oncology unit. I was pretty shocked to learn that they don't use ANY type of holistic/alternative integration!

Of course, part of this probably comes from my past experience in Portland OR (a pretty alterna-friendly place!) to now being in a small city in Texas, where I'm already a 'freak'.

Do any of you have tips on integrating a more holistic mentality to the floor? I can do my own teaching, and energy work, but there's got to be a way to get the ball rolling to make things better for ALL our patients!

Re: Tips on introducing holistic mentality to unit?

You are probably already doing it: lead by example. There were times I'm sure I was viewed as an oddity because of my basic philosophy of nursing and caring. Some of what you do might be very different, and change takes time. The holistic philosophy probably isn't new, though. In time, your good outcomes and way of being will rub off.

Re: Tips on introducing holistic mentality to unit?

You may suggest holistic topics to the staff education / inservice specialist such as stress management, massage or holistic nutrition education for the oncology client. These are pretty mainstream, yet holistic, modalities. Perhaps as improved outcomes are noted, more modalities will be incorporated.