I'm a nursing student, and I'm doing my research on specialties. Holistic nursing sounds great, and I definitely agree in the philosophy. I then stumbled upon the word naturopathic medicine. Doing some research, I'm getting the impression that holistic is the philosophy of using various practices and naturopath is actually putting this philosophy into practice. At the same time, I'm not seeing much on naturopathic nursing or even naturopathic nurse practitioners; I did find something on naturopathic doctors. I'm finding several resources on holistic nursing including AHNA organization. My question, if I'm interested in this type of training, do I look for information on naturopathic nursing, holistic nursing, are they the same thing in the nursing world? I hope my question makes sense. I just don't see much on naturopathic nursing, so I assume I look for information on holistic nursing? I believe in the concept of integrating Western and Eastern medicine. I'm also interested in possibly going for nurse practitioner integrating both concepts (if this is possible and within the scope of practice). I'm just confused on if I would try to find something in naturopathic or holistic. Sorry for my confusion, and I hope this isn't a silly question.

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.

My mother in law who is an RN told me that at her hospital 14 patients died in one month due to medical errors(being given the wrong drugs).Then she told me that they actually had someone who's job it was to "erase" the medical error so that it doesn't make the hospital look bad and they never told the patients family. I was horrified. I don't want any part of that.

I believe that an organic diet, exercise, herbal TEAS, meditation, acupuncture, acupressure, Craniospinal therapy, etc. are the best ways of treating and preventing illness. So I have decided that I either want to be a Nurse(and later Nurse Practitioner) who works in a Naturopathic Clinic, or become a doctor who uses natural and alternative . My question is, to become a Naturopathic doctor do you HAVE to go to a special Naturopathic medical school or could you go to medical school and then just start your own Naturopathic practice?

Also, which option sounds best? I know that I would have to have a Bachelor's degree before I could go to med school anyway, so should I just continue on with Nursing and try to get into a Naturopathic Clinic?

Thanks

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I am a fairly new RN, just about three years now. I started on Med-Surg and went to the ED just about a year ago. I have a BSN and graduated in 2010. I started in healthcare as an acupuncturist, earning a Master of Acupuncture degree in 2002. I was in private practice up until a year ago.

For a number of reasons, I have decided to go back to school to become a nurse practitioner. I think I would also be able to practice acupuncture under my acupuncture license as a nurse practitioner, and that is what I am going for; to be able to make these two jobs into one so that I am not so fragmented in my professional life.

Would like to know if any of you either are LAc/RNs or know of any and how that's working out for them. Think there might be a future in this?

So what exactly is a Nurse Coach?

A professional Nurse Coach according to Hess et al., 2013, is a "registered nurse who integrates coaching competencies into any setting or specialty area of practice to facilitate a process of change or development that assists individuals or groups to realize their potential.” Still Confused? Well, to put it a bit simpler, a Nurse Coach uses his or her training and experience to guide patients (clients), to lead healthy lives and make the best lifestyle choices to suit them. This is achieved through a variety of techniques such as Deep Listening, Motivational Interviewing and Open-ended Questions. More on these effective tools later. The Nurse Coach takes a whole-person approach placing emphasis on the mind-body-spirit connection within their client. In addition, cultural, social and emotional aspects play a significant part with the client being viewed as a unique, individual being.

What do Nurse Coaches do and where do they work?

Nurse Coaches can find work in a variety of different settings. They may lead a group session for individuals who want to stop smoking, lose weight, or have more control over their diabetes. They may teach mindfulness meditation to patients dealing with chronic pain, give stress reduction classes to cancer patients, or provide grief counseling. A Nurse Coach can also see clients on a one-to-one basis either in a hospital or clinic setting or from the comfort of their own home via video conferencing. The latter proved to be invaluable during the pandemic and many nurses love the freedom and flexibility this option still continues to provide.

Many Nurse Coaches prefer to find a niche where they have a special interest. They will work with that specific group, say postpartum mothers dealing with the stress of a new baby, or older patients with Alzheimer's. They may work only with obese clients or people with a chronic illness. On the other hand, some Nurse Coaches will work in a more general capacity guiding clients with healthy lifestyle choices, including nutrition advice, stress reduction techniques, exercise plans, and healthy sleep schedules. This is a career with endless opportunities! 

What does a typical Coaching Session Involve?

Nurse Coaching is rooted in the belief that clients know deep within themselves what works best for them, and the coaching session is based around a collaborative relationship of trust and positive encouragement. An emphasis is placed on the client's strengths, and together coach and client will explore various options which have worked in the past to achieve desired goals. A typical coaching session may involve setting up S.M.A.R.T goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-lined) which the client can work towards to accomplish a favorable outcome.

The Nurse Coach will use deep listening skills where they are fully present with the client and will resist the desire to 'fix' them. They will ask open-ended and skillful questions which allow the client to properly explore how they feel. Over time the client will begin to feel empowered and start to have a sense that they are in control of their own health and wellness goals.

Another tool that is often used during a coaching session is Motivational Interviewing. The Nurse Coach guides the client to explore ways in which they can positively change their behavior and work through hurdles of ambivalence and resistance. For instance, the client may indicate that they know they need to exercise but claim they don't have the time. Through skillful practice the Nurse Coach can guide them through to committing to exercising for 20 minutes a day. This is a huge step forward in the process.

How Do I Become a Nurse Coach?

Nurse Coaching is a rapidly evolving career, and as our population gets sicker while healthcare costs climb, there is never a better time to train in this area of Nursing. So, what ultimately, does this involve? If you want to explore this career opportunity further, you only have to type 'Nurse Coaching' into Google and a wealth of information will pop up. There are a variety of courses widely available with the flexibility of studying online.

Personally, after doing my homework on the subject at the start of the Covid outbreak back in March 2020, I decided to go with the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy. I can't speak highly enough about this course and I enjoyed it immensely. There are other courses available which get great reviews too. It's just a matter of choice. Make sure to double-check it is specifically for trained nurses and that you will get CEUs on completion.

As Nurse Coaching gains popularity, there are many social media groups such as facebook and Instagram where novice Nurse Coaches can share their experiences and resources. I also found these invaluable and a great way to connect with like-minded aspiring coaches willing to give advice and answer many questions. Another great plus from completing a Nurse Coach Certification Program is that you can sit an examination to become Board Certified through the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (AHNCC). Many Nurse Coaches like to have NC-BC after their name to give them additional credibility.

Summary

With the rise of obesity, heart disease and chronic illness, our population is getting sicker and fatter. Many illnesses in our modern world are preventable and can be managed with improved nutrition, exercise and stress reduction to name but a few lifestyle changes. It is the Nurse Coach's role to guide people to make better choices enabling them to gain control over their health and wellbeing and in turn live happier, longer lives.

References

Nurse Coaching - Integrative Approaches for Health and Wellbeing : Barbara Montgomery Dossey, Susan Luck, Bonney Gulino Schaub 

Integrative Nurse Coach Academy

American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation

Integrative Nurse Coach Academy (inursecoach.com)

and

Wisdom of the Whole

I am leaning towards the Integrative NC Academy. Does anyone have experience with this program and would you recommend it? Also open to other suggestions for programs so I can sit for the boards. Thanks!

Rates of depression and anxiety are on the rise amongst nurses, particularly in light of COVID-19. According to a recent survey performed by American Nurses Association, 40% of nurses reported feelings of depression. Although mental health struggles are increasing with COVID-19, they are not new amongst nurses. Prior to COVID-19, an Australian study of 102 nurses found depression in 32.4%, anxiety in 41.2%, and stress in 41.2%. although no one wants to talk about it, mental health issues are prevalent amongst nurses. Yet it seems like we are afraid to discuss these vulnerable aspects of ourselves. Why is that do you think?

Why We Don't Talk About Mental Health Issues

Historically, nurses have prided themselves on being strong-minded and capable. We are prone to self-sacrifice and value heroism. We fear the seemingly social stigma that is associated with mental health issues. We believe that we have to be held to a higher level of functioning, so we give our all. This, in turn, can lead to burnout which can significantly contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

Contributing Factors To Anxiety And Depression

Stress

It’s no secret that our day-to-day jobs as nurses are filled with stress. We encounter stress every single day, and sometimes all throughout the day. Stress takes a toll on our bodies, both physically by raising cortisol levels thereby leading to chronic health conditions, and mentally by triggering anxiety and depression. Today we are dealing with an astronomical force of added stress related to COVID-19. We’ve been working longer hours, we’re shorter staffed, and we’ve had to deal with limited resources. This added stress is affecting nurses all across the world.

Burnout

Along with COVID-19, rates of burnout are on the rise amongst nurses. Burnout is often caused by prolonged stress and is characterized by emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion. A survey done on Canadian nurses found that 63.2% reported some symptoms of burnout and 29.3% reported significant levels of burnout. The study noted that “higher levels of burnout were associated with higher levels of anxiety, stress, and depression symptoms.” In this time of COVID-19 more and more nurses are being pushed to their limits and are unfortunately reaching burnout. We are exhausted. We’ve been fighting this battle for two years and sadly we don’t have an end in sight. We’re in this for the long haul. Now, more than ever, we need assistance in developing positive coping mechanisms.

Compassion Fatigue

Compassion fatigue coincides with acute mental health issues and is particularly prevalent today with COVID-19. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines compassion fatigue as “the physical and mental exhaustion and emotional withdrawal experienced by those who care for sick or traumatized people over an extended period of time.” The prolongation of the COVID-19 pandemic is pushing compassion fatigue to new heights amongst nurses. Compassion fatigue significantly contributes to burnout. It may cause increased feelings of hopelessness amongst nurses, leading many nurses to consider leaving the nursing profession altogether.

What To Do About It

Awareness of an issue is the first step to initiating change. We need to talk about mental health issues amongst nurses. We need to be aware of the prevalence of mental health issues amongst nurses so that we can address them. Let’s be compassionate to ourselves by starting the conversation.

Practicing Mindfulness and other Self-Care Habits

Self-care habits such as getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and practicing mindfulness are excellent lifestyle behaviors that boost mental health wellness.  These self-care behaviors are associated with improving and preventing anxiety and depression. Mindfulness is the practice of returning to the present moment and is often achieved through practicing meditation and yoga.

Support Groups

Support groups are a valuable resource for mental health wellness as they assist people in finding and maintaining community support. Support groups provide a network of like-minded individuals dealing with similar issues and offer a non-judgmental space to discuss sensitive topics. We need to promote support groups amongst nurses to increase awareness, availability, and attendance.

Mental Health Counseling/Therapy

Mental health therapy should be promoted more amongst nurses. It should be easier for nurses to find mental health counselors, and time off should be encouraged for this essential treatment. Some examples of ways to increase use amongst nurses are placing mental health fliers in the break rooms, management promoting self-care habits, and easy-to-find online resources for therapy and support groups on our intranet websites or portals.

Supportive Workplace Environments

If workplaces support holistic wellness cultures and encourage their nurses to seek available mental health resources, then nurses feel empowered to seek out mental health care without fear of social stigma.  Mental health wellness is key to building a stronger and healthier nursing workforce. If we do not promote mental health practices and support our nurses struggling with mental health issues, then rates of depression, anxiety, and stress will only continue to rise causing even more nursing staffing shortages as nurses reach compassion fatigue and burnout. It is in management’s best interest to promote healthy self-care habits and provide easy access to mental health resources.

Call To Action

If we change the story, we change the stigma, then we can change the outcome. The more we talk about mental health issues amongst nurses in a non-judgmental supportive manner, the more nurses will know about resources available to them and not feel afraid to seek out those resources for fear of stigma or shame. As seasoned nurses, it is our responsibility to support the next generation of new nurses, to set them up for success by promoting mental health wellness. It’s time to change the story, promote healthy mental health practices, and support our nurses who struggle with mental health issues.

References

American Nurses Association. (2021). New Mental Health and Wellness Survey Finds Depression Increasing Among Nurses.

National Library of Medicine, PubMed.Gov. (2018). Prevalence and Risk Factors of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in a Cohort of Australian Nurses. 

National Library of Medicine, PubMed.Gov. (2021). Associations Between Burnout and Mental Disorder Symptoms Among Nurses in Canada. 

Merriam Webster. (2022). Compassion Fatigue. 

Psychology Today. (2022). Burnout. 

Psychology Today. (2021). 7 Simple Habits to Protect Your Mental Health.

National Institute of Mental Health. Mental Health Information. 
 

There is mounting evidence that mindfulness can improve concentration, relieve stress, and improve overall health. According to the American Psychological Association, practicing mindfulness helps the body to reduce stress by altering regions of the brain associated with attention and emotional regulation.

Ten years later and I have expanded my mindfulness and meditation practice because of the real benefits I get from daily mindfulness. What started as a stolen quiet moment in the chapel room of my hospital snowballed into a more and more regular daily meditation and yoga practice that has informed how I handle the stresses of nursing.

I recently began reading Carmel Sheridan's "The Mindful Nurse: Using the Power of Mindfulness and Compassion to Help You Thrive in Your Work" in which she lays out an easy-to-access approach to daily mindfulness in nursing practice for any setting. It reminds me that mindfulness isn't only for holy spaces or special rooms with incense, but it can (and should) be anywhere and at any time.

Here are three ways to practice mindfulness at work

1- Do a repetitive task with intention

In "The Mindful Nurse", Sheridan suggests that many of a nurse's repetitive tasks like handwashing can serve as a meditative task. As nurses, we wash our hands ALL THE TIME. Going into a patient's room? Wash your hands. Leaving a patient's room? Wash your hands. Starting an IV? Wash your hands. Arriving on the floor for your shift? Wash your hands. You get the picture. But what if each time you washed your hands, it was an opportunity for you to be present in that moment? How might that feel? How might that change your day?

2- Focus on one task and do it well

Nurses get pulled in different directions throughout their shift, and if you're like me, it's easy to be distracted by your to-do list. Instead, write down your tasks somewhere, and save your brainpower for being fully present in each moment. Focusing on a task can help improve your memory and recall of what was said and what you observed, helping you with documentation later.

3- Leave your work in the bubble

All your thoughts and feelings, your worry and doubt, none of it has any use once you leave the building. Creating a ritual around leaving work can help you draw a dividing line between your workday and your personal life. This will help you be more present with what is most important in your life, giving you more energy to focus on other parts of your life besides work. For me, I imagine a bubble encompassing the entire hospital. When I leave work, I imagine my body passing effortlessly through the bubble, leaving behind all my thoughts and feelings about work in the bubble, freeing my mind.  

Working in healthcare can be mentally, emotionally, and physically draining. By incorporating these mindful practices into your daily life you can discover a healthier new dynamic with your work as a nurse.

References

Mindfulness meditation: A research-proven way to reduce stress

The Mindful Nurse: Using the Power of Mindfulness and Compassion to Help You Thrive in Your Work

23 Amazing Health Benefits of Mindfulness for Body and Brain

After doing some soul searching, I feel that the majority of my problem is well, I kinda hate the way our healthcare is approached LOL. In my experience, I see more often than not a focus on treating illness rather than preventing it in the first place. I really resonate with the idea of holistic nursing; but I don't have a clue what kind of careers are out there where holistic nursing is the center focus. 

Any advice on possible career paths to choose and where to find them? Especially if there are any paths that involve nutrition?

Blessings

  I was just wondering if anyone has taken the board certification exam for holistic nursing? I guess I'm just wondering what to expect since there are not too many practice tests or questions for this particular exam that I can find.  I've downloaded the core essentials from the website and have read the Holistic Nursing a Handbook for Practice by Dossey.  Any suggestions or opinions from those who have taken it?

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!

Thanks much in advance!

I am looking into becoming Holistic care certified. Its an interesting subject and I've been looking over the AHNCC website but its fairly vague. I was wondering what the curriculum was like and the testing. In general any information will be welcomed information. Also, 1. anyones perspective of the testing difficulty 2. their experience in their career and job satisfaction after obtaining certification.

I work in the OR and think that this would be a great way to improve our care and the overall environment...

Thoughts?

all input is appreciated!

-Mack

It has been my dream for a number of years to work in integrative/holistic medicine. My vision is to be able to offer western and eastern treatments (herbs, acupuncture, chiropractic) along with complementary and alternative therapies (yoga, massage, mindfulness, etc) in my own practice (as I have not found many available integrative medicine clinics). Included in my goal is to work with cannabis medicine.

I currently have a BSN and work as an RN in an acute care adult oncology inpatient unit for almost 2 years (come October). I do not know if I have to become an NP (MSN? DNP?) or if I can get my masters in acupuncture/traditional oriental medicine. I have special interest in care of the dying and pain management.

What are my options? Where do you suggest I begin my career advancement?

Thanks in advance for taking the time to respond. Love and light

Does anyone have any experience with a nutrition education program for RN's. The only credible ones that I come across are for NPs or for becoming an RD at the BS/MS level. I am working towards certification for Integrative Health Coaching through Duke, so I'd like to find some additional education for nutrition.

Thanks!

eflr

Thanks

C