Career Outlook for Holistic Nursing - Is there a demand? Where do you work?

mtsteelhorse · Mar 23, 2013

Sarah27, I am on a similar path. I don't know where holistic nursing falls in my area; I just know I'm drawn to complementary medicine and wellness. I'm going to go for the holistic nursing certification and build on certifications in coaching, Reiki and aromatherapy. I love learning and the more education the better. I feel doors will open to all of us interested in this approach to healthcare.

Sarah27 · Mar 25, 2013

Where are you thinking of getting your certifications from? I have seen so many different websites that offer them, it's hard to know which one is the best. You and I sound like we are on the same path though!

mtsteelhorse · Mar 25, 2013

I'm going to take the Holistic Nursing Certification exam through ANHCC.(see link on AHNA wbsite) within the year. The AHNA provides great information on educational opportunities. I'm going to attend the review course offered by Mission Hospital and register for the exam. I'm taking Reiki Levels One and Two in my community. Ironically in my VERY small town there is a Reiki Master who lives 1.5 miles from me! Allegra Learning offers many online courses in holistic health and wellness. If you're not a memeber of the AHNA join! Not sure where you live but the AHNA has an annual conference. This year it's in VA. I'm not attending but if I didn't have all this other stuff going on I would. As far as nurse coaching I'm looking at several options. For me cost is a factor but I also want quality. I plan to learn as much as I can by utilizing courses recognized by the AHNA. I am also a certified massage therapist but it's been YEARS so I need to jump through some hoops to get licensed in my state. I know it's the right path for me because of the passion I feel. I withdrew from NP school before starting...it's just not the right fit.

Keep us posted on your journey!

lifelong learner-RN · Apr 30, 2022

Not sure if you're active on here anymore but I'd love to hear what route you ended up taking...I am in the same boat right now. I spent a few months on orientation in the hospital setting to find that it was not at all for me, and that preventative care outside of the clinical setting would be much more fulfilling for me than symptom management. Thanks in advance!!

ERArmyRNND · Mar 10, 2023

Sarah27 said:

Hi,

I graduated from nursing school in 2009 with my RN-BSN and practiced for one year in a holistic clinic. I have since not been actively practicing nursing and would like to get back into the field but am more interested in getting additional certifications and training in order to do more holistic nursing. I am not interested in the traditional western medicine clinical nursing at all. I am considering additional training in wellness coaching, aromatherapy certification and yoga certification. Or should I just get holistic nursing certification? My other question is - do any of you already work as a nurse with additional training such as these and what kind of work do you do? I'm trying to determine what kinds of businesses I can find work in with an RN and additional holistic training. I am open to other areas of training depending on the time and cost, but am really just concerned about what the job outlook is for this kind of work. I know there is a growing interest in complimentary and alternative therapies, especially in hospitals. Any advice on how to start getting into this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Look into working with a busy Naturopathic Doctor. They would love to have a nurse with strong clinical skills and a strong interest in holistic medicine.