Holistic scope NP--dream or possibility?

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Hi!

I am currently finishing up pre-reqs. to apply to nursing schools early next yr. I know that I want to get education beyong my BSN, most likely my NP, but I have this idea of what kind of practice I want to have, and I don't know if I am dreaming, or if my career goal is an actual possibility. I want to have a practice that focuses on holistic health and well-being, kind of a mind-body-soul healing center rather than a clinic where I see allergy case, after flu case, after allergy case. I would like to offer massage, accupuncture, maybe some other alternative therapies, along with being able to perscribe medications if needed and am very interested in general counceling. I have looked at ND programs, and that might be a better route for me, except they can't perscribe medications. In-fact some think that would be contradictary practice/beliefs. I want practice holistic, mind-body-soul health and medicine, but have the flexabillity to work with a little western medicine as well, like having the capability to perscribe medications. About the councelling--I thought I read that in the ND program at the National school in Portland Oregon, councelling was part of the scope of practice. Does anyone know the requirements to call yourself a "councellor" in Oregon?

Thanks!! (he's just really cute! Ha!)

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You bring up wanting to be able to prescribe a little medicine in conjunction with your practice. Have you considered why that is an important factor for you?

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I'd say at this point NPs may adopt a holistic philosophy in their practice, but as far as a program goes there is not one in existence that will prepare a NP to be well versed in herbs/accupuncture/homeopathy etc. So, I'd say it's a dream. However, There are many states that do allow NDs to prescribe medication and 2 states so far (Oregon and Arizona) that allow them to even prescribe Narcotics. There are 3 excellent schools in the U.S. Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Arizona, Bastyr University in Washington and National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Oregon. All 3 of the aforementioned schools are very competitive and I believe they may offer a NP to ND completion program. I think that may be your best bet. Good Luck!

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Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.

You might check out the Holistic Health program at the University of Texas in Austin - I don't know how alternative therapy focused it is, but it may hold some interest for you.

http://www.utexas.edu

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You might check out the Holistic Health program at the University of Texas in Austin - I don't know how alternative therapy focused it is, but it may hold some interest for you.

http://www.utexas.edu

I thought I'd add in my 2 cents on this (I hope you don't mind). I'm familiar with U of Texas - Austin's "Holistic Adult Health" program. Usually in the nursing world (like at UofT) the word "holistic" means the incorporation of ALL aspects of the client and not just the disease/disorder that is present. It will take into consideration the client's lifestyle, relationship with family/friends and environmental influences. This usually DOES NOT mean the incorporation of "alternative" or "complementary" therapies (although they may be used). U of Texas -Austin's program doesn't include the training of herbs/accupuncture/massage into their program.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.
I thought I'd add in my 2 cents on this (I hope you don't mind). I'm familiar with U of Texas - Austin's "Holistic Adult Health" program. Usually in the nursing world (like at UofT) the word "holistic" means the incorporation of ALL aspects of the client and not just the disease/disorder that is present. It will take into consideration the client's lifestyle, relationship with family/friends and environmental influences. This usually DOES NOT mean the incorporation of "alternative" or "complementary" therapies (although they may be used). U of Texas -Austin's program doesn't include the training of herbs/accupuncture/massage into their program.

Thanks - that is very helpful.

Any hope of UT ever doing a DNP program? LOL

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Thanks - that is very helpful.

Any hope of UT ever doing a DNP program? LOL

I wouldn't be surprised if they did someday. Many schools are slated to start the Doctorate of Nursing Practice. However, this doesn't mean a greater scope of practice for the NP; it's just a Doctorate level preparation. Just like the BSN doesn't make the RNs license different from the ASN; it's just the preparation.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.

Yes, I know - I just want to go to UT for something LOL. I was teasing my son - he is on the cycling team there, that I was going to move to Austin to do my doc and join the cycling team at UT too - he was mortified of course. It's more of a joke at this point than anything.

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Specializes in Too many to list.

You could consider working with a physician who practices in integrative health. Or work with a physician who is a member of ACAM. These types of practices tend to incorporate nutritional, and herbal and whatever works types of remedies and the focus is not on medications though they can and will be used if necessary. Some of these physicians are not unfriendly to energetic modalities either. Do they work with NP's? I don't know, but it would not surprise me as some have huge practices, and newsletters that bring in clients from out of state. I think it's a good idea. I tend to seek out those types of physicians and their NP's for my healthcare. Example,

Dr. Christiane Northrup, MD had a clinic in Maine, Women to Women's Clinic.

She utilized NP's. They were very supportive of alternative therapies. Her book, Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom is full of that type of thinking.

That clinic was a wonderful place. Good luck in your goal. It's a worthy one, and if you are in the right place, it will be supported.

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Hello-

New York University in New York City has a Holistic NP program...check their website.

http://www.nyu.edu/nursing/academicprograms/masters/programs/holistic.html

It looks really interesting...

Good Luck!

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Specializes in Adult internal med, OB/GYN, REI..

Hey there-- Since i have been looking in this area as well I thought i would post a great reference I had come across while looking for a post masters cert. to consider after i acheive my FNP/MSN.

http://www.ahna.org/edu/endorsed.html

Hope this helps!

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