Published Nov 2, 2014
Magdalena69
4 Posts
Hi I have just started a nursing degree but not sure I am doing the right thing. I really do enjoy most of it and I love studying. I have a background in alternative health and natural therapies working as a naturopathic nutritionist. It feels like I am doing it back to front. I wish I had started of as a nurse that was now moving into alternative health. I dont ever want to work as a normal nurse so do you think this is a waste of time. My dream job would be to work in a holistic medical clinic for a naturopathic medical doctor. In my head I think that I have to be a nurse for this. Also I am passionate about natural cancer care and would love also to do this. But do I need to be a nurse for this reason. My head is telling me to drop the course but my heart is saying do it.
I dont agree with the western medical way of treating. I am against many medications. At the same time I am thinking people like me are needed in the industry. To question things and suggest there are other ways to heal.
Please let me know if you have had similar background or thoughts etc. I just read another thread about holistic health but it was closed so had to start this new one. Would appreciate any suggestions on this.
Oh yes if I was younger I would not think twice but as I am in my mid 40's Im thinking 3 years of my life is long if I am not going to work as your traditional average nurse.
xxx
loriangel14, RN
6,931 Posts
If you don't agree with western medicine then going the nursing route may be difficult.You will have to learn about the very things you don't agree with and keep your opnions to yourself. You will have to do health teaching and explain to patients why they are taking certain medications andf having procedures done.You will find yourself assisting or performing procedures that you don't think are right. Will you be able to do all of this even if it is against your beliefs? You cannot preach your own thoughts to the people you are caring for. Even if you don't see yourself ever working as a traditional nurse you will still have to get through school and clinical placements where you will have to toe the line.
If naturopathy is your passion you should follow that path. Best of luck whatever you decide.
Hi loriangel14. Thanks for your reply. I am going round in circles here so really appriciate you take the time to answer. Yes I agree with all you are saying. The reasons why I would like to do it are the following: Always been in the back of my head since a little girl, Nice to have a job where I work with other people (my job now is lonely even though I meet people), As safety as there will always be work for a nurse, Am very passionate about palliative care and would love to work with this, Also passionate about cancer care, Extremely keen on functional medicine as I think it is the future of medicine, plus I think people like to go to an alternative therapist that also have medical knowledge. Would be wonderful to mix both sides allo and naturo.
Lots of Love to all.
SCSTxRN
258 Posts
Have you thought about doing a physical therapy assistant program? Based on what you're saying, nursing is really not for you... after 3 years of school, you have another 2 or 3 years at least until you are marginally competent at taking what you have learned as a nurse and applying it naturopathically. If palliative care is something you're into, Hospice nursing might be a good fit - but based on what you're describing, I'd hate to see you put a lot of time and money into something that ends up being soul sucking for you.
Thanks SCSTxRNfor taking your time to give me some feedback. Yes you are probably right. I have actually deferred my course today until next year. It was not an easy decision and I dont feel at ease with it or that I have done the right decision. But at least it gives me a year to really think about it and see if I miss it and still got the urge and call for it. Maybe there is no place for nurses that are into functional medicine and more natural care in hospitals. I hope there will be though in the not to far away future. xxx
amzyRN
1,142 Posts
I think many people who go into holistic nursing began their career in western medicine. While I think many integrative therapies are very beneficial, I also believe many western therapies are also beneficial, life saving. I'd consider reading more about western therapies and anatomy and physiology before crossing nursing off your list. Many holistic nurses worked in hospitals before hand and had a solid foundation in western medicine. Plus, from my understanding "alternative" medicine is more and more becoming "integrative" recognizing the value of western medicine. Even naturopathic doctors have a strong foundation in western science, biochemistry, anatomy, cell biology, etc. I encourage you to not "throw out the baby with the bathwater."
Plus you might be more marketable as a nurse. How can one know enough about the some of pitfalls of some western therapies unless they have experience western medicine? It's hard to get a full understanding of something without truly knowing it and I think so much of this comea from experience.
amyzyRN exactly what you are saying would be the main reason for me becoming a nurse. The knowledge and the marketing of a nurse. And also alternative meds get a bad reputation because of some unprofessional therapists and a bad name in media. If you are a nurse as well you can definitely defend yourself on medical terms as well. And what goes on in Europe at the moment with everything that is getting regulated etc. Herbs are getting restricted, supplements next. You need to be regulated etc. A nurse is always a nurse and it is a professional as well. Thanks for your thoughts. Have a lovely day
yhl1975
134 Posts
I think many people who go into holistic nursing began their career in western medicine. Many holistic nurses worked in hospitals before hand and had a solid foundation in western medicine. Plus, from my understanding "alternative" medicine is more and more becoming "integrative" recognizing the value of western medicine. Even naturopathic doctors have a strong foundation in western science, biochemistry, anatomy, cell biology, etc. I encourage you to not "throw out the baby with the bathwater."QUOTE]I agree with you, from my experience best MD's DO's first of all understand how western medicine works and they can combine "integrative" recognizing the value of western medicine. Nobody wants to be in lawsuit and remember the patients demand knowledge in both ways.
QUOTE]I agree with you, from my experience best MD's DO's first of all understand how western medicine works and they can combine "integrative" recognizing the value of western medicine. Nobody wants to be in lawsuit and remember the patients demand knowledge in both ways.
dinah77, ADN
530 Posts
No. Nursing and nursing school are very difficult. If you are not committed to it, you don't have great chances of succeeding.
Also, remember that there are legal licensing parameters that govern nursing. You must be willing and able to stay within your scope of practice.