New Grad RN Interested in Massage

[squidbilly]

It has been almost 1 yr since I graduated my ADN program, and I have spent much of the last year working as a school nurse specialist. I have known for a long time that I want to pursue a specialty in some area of holistic nursing, but haven't quite known where to start. I was hoping some Nurse Massage Therapists could help me out.

I am in California, and so I would greatly appreciate some input and information from anyone in my state regarding schools and licensing requirements. I also have a few questions for anyone, anywhere that is willing to chime in...

In what way do you, as a Nurse Massage Therapist, have an advantage over a body worker that is not an RN? Does the RN title change anything about the way you practice massage therapy? Are you self employed? Why did you choose this career path?

I love my job, but the pay and hours available in the school won't support me forever. I like the idea of becoming a massage therapist for several reasons. I would love the autonomy of self-employment. I am a bit of a hippy, and while I value a lot of western medicine I still find it conflicts with my personal beliefs in many ways. I love the idea of working one-on-one with clients and having time to get to know them on an individual basis. I am studying to become a spiritual life coach and feel that a massage therapy practice would be the best way to incorporate all of my education.

I would love to hear your thoughts!! Thanks for listening :)

[SuzieVN]

'Nurse Massage Therapist' doesn't exist. In CA, you do not need a license to practice massage, it's still optional. But many cities have laws that say you can't practice massage without a massage license. Which trumps the other, I'm not sure. But I suspect local law cannot override state law? My guess- I know that's the case with federal vs state law. Since you're in CA, a massage license ($10-20,000 when all is said and done) would make you attractive to naturopathic clinics (some would require a license despite the state law), and since you're a hippy? You'd be in Nirvana. But elsewise- if you work for a chain or a resort, such as MassageEnvy? You'll get about $13.24 per hour of massage, the owner keeps the other $30-40. Not a good investment in school. Or the wear and tear on your hands.

[eukaryote]

Hi, I am a massage therapist and have been licensed for 15 years plus BSN

There are in fact many nurse massage therapists! Many of them work in palliative care.

Please check National Association for Nurse Massage therapists.

You can also join American holistic nurse association.

I went to school in CA and licensing is done now through camtc.org

Since you are already a nurse your best bet is to do another associates program at a local community college. I'm sure most of your undergrad will transfer over and you may only need a semester or two.

Good luck!!

[chris2732]

National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB.org) lists accredited massage therapy schools to become a certified massage therapist. You have to check with your state also.

[chris2732]

Try the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA.org) and National Association of Nurse Massage Therapists (NANMT.org) as these are great places to network with others who are interested in the same fields.

If you have the opportunity to attend a local association meeting, then that is where you can talk to others who can really help you.

.... I have known for a long time that I want to pursue a specialty in some area of holistic nursing, but haven't quite known where to start. I was hoping some Nurse Massage Therapists could help me out.... I am in California, and so I would greatly appreciate some input and information from anyone in my state regarding schools and licensing requirements. I also have a few questions for anyone, anywhere that is willing to chime in.... I am studying to become a spiritual life coach and feel that a massage therapy practice would be the best way to incorporate all of my education...

[dsombilla]

Hi everyone...I'm a Registered Nurse base in Dublin,Ireland. I am currently practicing in the area of Physical-Neuromuscular Therapy. I would suggest to all nurses interested in massage therapy to consider NMT.