Anyone done NIWH Whole Health Educator program?

[BetterSafe]

Has anyone completed (or know anything about) the National Institute of Whole Health (NIWH) Whole Health Educator for Nurses program? If so, have you become a Certified Holistic Nurse? What's the verdict? I'm trying to learn if it would be helpful to my career. I believe the education itself will be very valuable for the knowledge itself, and to help patients, but I'm asking more in terms of credentials, job obtainment and career advancement. The course is not free, so I'm thinking of payback in terms of the practical, realistic stuff.

Also, I'm trying to learn about coaching options independent from a hospital setting. Is it possible to teach classes or do one on one counseling with this certification. What would be the legalities, and how does it work with an RN scope of practice? Does anybody have any experience with this?

Thanks for any input!

[oceanblue52]

Can anyone speak to the career opportunities that have opened up from completing this program? I'm currently in nursing school and have been looking into enrolling this program after graduation, and have been comparing it with other AHNA endorsed programs. Do most people end up becoming health coaches and starting their own side business? Or are there ways to supplement this type of certification into a more traditional nursing role? Do employers appreciate insight you can offer as a graduate?

[FlyBye]

Can anyone speak to the career opportunities that have opened up from completing this program? I'm currently in nursing school and have been looking into enrolling this program after graduation, and have been comparing it with other AHNA endorsed programs. Do most people end up becoming health coaches and starting their own side business? Or are there ways to supplement this type of certification into a more traditional nursing role? Do employers appreciate insight you can offer as a graduate?

Hello oceanblue 52,

Yes, and I had the same questions before enrolling. Did a lot of research to find out what I could do with the training. After finishing the program 19 months ago have left acute care and now work at a functional medicine practice 2.5 days a week plus doing wellness contract work for two business that have worksite wellness programs. There are a good number of jobs now in wellness for nurses with this training because of the healthcare changes.

I didn't want straight coaching. The evidence-based whole health was what I was looking for. Also took advantage of the CCP certification option. Now I have professional Liability Insurance and NPI for health education that I can do secondary billing for with private clients. They also gave me a ICD billing manual for health education services.

For me this was a perfect fit as I wanted to do patient wellness education for a while and finally the timing was right. It does include coaching and communication skills but is not a coaching program per say. It is focused on the whole person and how everything is connected in disease and health. AHNA has been a great resource for information and if you are looking for a coaching program they have a few of them that they endorse on their site.

[Persimmon]

As a graduate of the Whole Health Educator for Nurses program, I feel one of the many benefits of this program is that you will be inspired to align YOUR true values with service to others. In considering your values, how do you see yourself in service to others? The career opportunities for those graduating from the NIWH program are wide open. Many bring their knowledge into their current nursing position and are a tremendously more effective nurse; those with an entrepreneurial bent incorporate their knowledge into a creative business serving others; others find they are more desirable (thus more readily hired) for positions in health institutions. A recent example of the latter opportunity is of a nurse in my local area who applied, along with many other nurses, for a position with a health institution. She was hired because of her Whole Health Educator training. In addition to the position she was hired for, and due to her Whole Health training, she is also being given an opportunity to expand the position to provide health and wellness education to the institution's employees. I have heard similar stories from other graduates. Employers are sensing the benefit of this valuable training.

[oceanblue52]

Thank you for your replies FlyBye and Persimmon, it is greatly appreciated! It's encouraging to hear that employers are recognizing the benefits of a holistic background, and that the training is not solely limited to starting an entrepreneurial coaching business. I do not graduate for another year and a half (I took a leave of absence and it is a second degree program), but would either of you mind terribly if I messaged you in the future? I am just at the beginning stages of figuring out my place within holistic nursing; it's really inspiring to read your posts and it keeps me passionate about nursing in a difficult job market and stressful school setting . Thank you again :)

[FlyBye]

oceanblue52 -

Anytime and congratulations on your new career path in nursing!

[JRaphasRN]

I have been looking into the right program for a couple months. I am 99% certain I will apply to start the NIWH program. I found everyone's comments very helpful. Thank you for sharing.

WholeHealthBSN, I have a question. You mention that you have not yet (at the time of your posting) finished the program and yet,

I have already found work partnering with a physical therapist and have many people interested in working with me privately.

In what capacity are your partnering with the PT? Are you independent in their office or working under them? Since you are not a graduate of the NIWH program, you don't have an independent insurance number. (Tone is super hard to type; I am not accusatory at all, I am intrigued and trying to explore options of how I can quit my current job before I complete the year-long program.)

[cd3194]

This program was awesome I learned more about health and wellness than I had learned in over 20 years of practicing as a nurse. Health care treats a symptom an illness and never looks at the whole picture. This program teaches you how everything is connected and how to prevent disease. Loved it!!!! and highly recommend!!!!

[DStreppa]

Hi, I am an RN and BSN and graduated from both National Institute of Whole Health and Wellness Inventory. They have since partnered to provide an absolutely 100% amazing program! I can't say enough about NIWH. The wide array of courses offered are taught by the most respected leaders/experts in the field. The program director and founder, Dr. Georgianna Donadio is truly an inspiration and a wealth of knowledge in all fields of medicine and whole health. She mentors her students and guides them towards success and is always available for guidance and help. The program at the National Institute of Whole Health will transform not only your career but your life. It has been a remarkable experience for me both personally and professionally. NIWH is the leader in whole health education and continue to form strategic partnerships with other leaders in this field. They also offer post-graduate courses and programs to guide nurses through their careers in health education. I would highly encourage anyone considering the NIWH to move forward with it. It has been an amazing experience!

[PaleoNurse]

To those who have graduated...How long ago did you graduate and how are you using the certification?

[MiaLyse, APRN]

I am interested in this also

[DStreppa]

I graduated 2 years ago and I have recently started my own business in health/wellness education.

[WholeHealthBSN]

Hi - [COLOR=#000000] I graduated from NIWH 6 months ago and already have a growing practice. Clients really respond to the truth and necessity of addressing the 5 aspects of health. I love to work with clients giving them the Big Picture” of their health and teaching them ways to improve their health. I have found that most of my clients are overwhelmed with the health information on the internet and are not getting personalized information from their health care providers. I have to say that up until now, all my clients are very satisfied and then have told their friends/colleagues. My referral partners including physicians and mental health professionals are thrilled that I have an NPI number as that makes my services more affordable for their patients. NIWH has truly changed my life, improved my family's health and well-being and opened up a career that is very rewarding. Much gratitude to Georgianna and all those at NIWH who work so hard to make this program the best Whole Health education and coaching program in the country.[/COLOR]