by Wanna_BA_Nurse

On Yahoo! Answers, I tried to ask about two holistic nutrition schools I am interested in. Most people reply saying that Holistic Nutritionists are quacks and what not. I don't like that. How is it possible to make a living as a holistic nurse in this confused world?

I have a 60+ year old lady for a friend. She is active and healthy, and skinnier than me, and knows all this stuff about organic foods and their impact on your organs and stuff. SHE IS 60+! My grandmothers both only lived a little past 60...if at all 60. (Can't remember. Somwhere around there.) Why is it frowned upon?! I don't understand!

BTW: The schools I was wondering about were the NTI in Colorado and the Bauman College.

Re: Why is Holistic-ism frowned upon?

I firmly believe that you cannot focus on the disease and not the person.

You also cannot focus on the person and not the disease.

I am all about holistic medicine when it comes to managing pain, coping with loss, and incorporate into EVERY treatment for disease process that there is.

However, I also think it's very foolish, that some extremists let's a child die with a sky-high WBC count b/c of a urinary tract infection that they refused to give $6.00 worth of antibiotics to, so they could do it "their way".

There is enough room in this world for BOTH views.

Re: Why is Holistic-ism frowned upon?

Hey, here is good news: A big hospital in southeast Michigan - William Beaumont - is building a new medical school, to be competed by 2010, in conjunction with Oakland University (and on Oakland's campus)and the focus of the education for the MDs will be holistic!

Re: Why is Holistic-ism frowned upon?

I believe that many people consider it hooey because so much has not or cannot be proven with empirical evidence. Unfortunately, people will then automatically close their minds to new possibilities, much like the Church did with Galileo. Just because we can't prove it yet, doesn't mean it isn't real.

On the other hand, there are "quacks" out there just wanting to make a buck with their snake oil solutions.

I would never tell someone with cancer to give up their treatments in favor of an herb. But there is evidence that guided imagery, mediation, yoga, and aromatherapy have higher rates of positive outcomes than without.

Most holistic therapies focus on the power of the mind to heal someone. And we all know that the mind is a very powerful tool indeed.

Re: Why is Holistic-ism frowned upon?

Also, a lot of the 'quacks' out there who preach holistic cures are indeed in it for the $$. What's sad is they are not regulated by the FDA so you don't really know in 100% certainty what you're taking.

For example, have you heard of Aristolochic acid? It's found in 'herbal remedies' also here in America and has been implicated as the cause of aristolochic acid-induced kidney disease and associated cancers.

Re: Why is Holistic-ism frowned upon?

I think it's a lack of knowledge & understanding that creates the animosity.
Like Hopefull2009's example of the family refusing abt's for a bacterial infection: that's not being holistic, that's ignorance of the infectious process (or a religious belief perhaps?)
Holistic means treatment of the body-mind-spirit, & there is much evidence-based alternative treatment used by holistic practitioners. It's not voo-doo.
There is also, as has been said, a lot of quackery in the name of holism.
I would say, let us practice holistic nursing & give it the good name it deserves.
I too would like to earn my BS in holistic nutrition, but many are not appropriately credentialed, so do be aware that the credentials they claim are recognized. Do the research.
Good luck to you in your studies.

Re: Why is Holistic-ism frowned upon?

Originally Posted by Wanna_BA_Nurse

On Yahoo! Answers, I tried to ask about two holistic nutrition schools I am interested in. Most people reply saying that Holistic Nutritionists are quacks and what not. I don't like that. How is it possible to make a living as a holistic nurse in this confused world?

I have a 60+ year old lady for a friend. She is active and healthy, and skinnier than me, and knows all this stuff about organic foods and their impact on your organs and stuff. SHE IS 60+! My grandmothers both only lived a little past 60...if at all 60. (Can't remember. Somwhere around there.) Why is it frowned upon?! I don't understand!

BTW: The schools I was wondering about were the NTI in Colorado and the Bauman College.

Your name indicates you would like to be a nurse but you are talking about holistic nutrition schools. It is important to be informed and to be sure you are getting your schooling from properly accredited institutions. You should do some investigative work regarding where you could be employed once you obtain your education. If you are interested in being a Holistic Nurse you must look for an accredited nursing program - not a nutrition program.

Re: Why is Holistic-ism frowned upon?

Wanna_BA_Nurse, I agree with StudyNurse. You have to be really careful. If you aren't yet a nurse, that's the first step. Experience is the 2nd. Then, a wellness BS perhaps from an accredited college. Clayton College also looks interesting as far as a wellness program, but without accreditation, it's essentially useless.
Neither of those programs you mentioned appears to be accredited by a mainstream agency. NTI is only credentialled by holistic entities & Bauman states:

Certification
The Nutrition Educator certificate title is valid in California and other states where there are no federal, state or local requirements limiting the practice of nutrition consulting. Contact your local state government to become informed about the laws of the state in which you plan to practice.

CEU Credits
CEU credits for RN’s are available. Bauman College is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 11401, for 150 contact hours for the Nutrition Educator Training Program.

It doesn't appear that either would be recognized. Good luck to you.

Re: Why is Holistic-ism frowned upon?

Frankly, I think much of our society prefers to have medicine bail them out with a pill, rather than make the effort to live a healthier lifestyle. They get really nervous around people who want to maintain their health by eating right and staying fit. Maybe they feel judged?

Re: Why is Holistic-ism frowned upon?

Holistic nursing practice is not "instead" of the mainstream nursing we associate with hospitals and modern-day medicine. It is a specialty within the profession of nursing and can be thought of as "in addition to" everything else a nurse knows and does.
The modalities a Holistic Nurse brings to his/her practice will depend in part of where the individual is employed. Holistic Nurses treat individuals who are very sick in addition to those who wish to remain healthy so a Holistic Nurse does not deny the value of medical treatements.