Scope of Practice

[clover2012]

Maybe current holistic nurses can help me with a few things! I have some confusion after researching holistic nursing. I was not able to find very much info about it in the first place. I want to know:

1) Are nurses ever able to prescribe medicine or treat patients with or without being under the orders of a physician?

If so, at which point are they able to do this (Master's or Doctor's)

2) If they are able to do this, can nurses prescribe herbal remedies? What kind of certification/training does this require?

I see myself in the future after having gained experience in a hospital setting wanting to futher my education and create my own holistic practice, treating patients with herbs, lifestyle tips, nutrition, etc. I just want to know how to get there from being an R.N., like what kind of education requirements are needed, if there are actual degrees available in holistic nursing, etc.

Thank you for your time!

[sdugan07]

I have some similar goals. Currently I am just gaining some med-surg experience for a more thorough understanding of how the body works etc. My future goal is to get a doctorate in naturopathic medicine. I have spoken to advisors at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, OR, and they said I can acquire a doctorate there without needing any further undergrad education. If I were you I would start by looking into various holistic programs to find the one that is right for you. Best of luck

[clover2012]

So do you already have your MSN? Or does it go straight from BSN to Doctorate? And is it a Doctorate in Natural Medicine you'd be getting? That's very interesting, thank you for the suggestions.