Suggestions on RN starting up as a Holistic Nurse,

Specialties Holistic

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How does an RN begin to get her feet wet in Holistic Nursing without becoming broke in the process,. I live in a rural area, Always loved Holistic nursing....what is the best way to get accreditations or certifications in this and get a job doing so.....sorry so many questions ....just so frustrated with conventional nursing.

Specializes in Bloodless Medicine, Hospice, Holistic.

Hey Smilingrn1,

It may be too late but if not, consider Bowen Works. It is incredible. In learning how to do it (neuro-somatic manipulation, sort of an independent sub specialty of therapeutic massage and deep tissue massage), I was able to put an end to my carpel tunnel pain. This is so gone that I have been able to paint (in pointillism) and even can hammer my metal sculptures pain free.

Bowen has a place in chiropractors offices and may be cheaper to get started and actually start earning an income.

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Wow what great advice. I strolled onto allnurses in hopes of finding some answers and sure enough, I am in luck! I've been searching my state's statutes and trying to figure out what is allowed in my state vs what is not (everything here needs a license of some sort). I'm still searching and I will find an answer one day. But what I don't understand is if a nurse writes a nursing diagnosis and care plan for a client, doesn't the nurse still have to be under the direction of a physician? I don't see how a private practice RN can run by itself. Are there any resources to address these kinds of concerns on what a RN can and can't do without their doctors approval? Of course the scope of practice varies by state but my scope of practice is as vague as vague gets....

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Specializes in Bloodless Medicine, Hospice, Holistic.

It depends on each states Nurse Practice Act. In many states, Nurses are allowed to bill. This helps.

But even if the act is vague as to what you can and cannot do....consider this.

Many have conditions with out labels or diagnoses with out any hope of getting well. Could they benefit from a non-patient consultation and you provide health and wellness education for them?

My first paid consultation ( I simply said pay what it is worth) involved three generations and 2 sets of in-laws all sitting around a table. There were commonalities that all faced and they wanted to know what to do.

My initial consult with the father had such great results, he wanted to get his whole family involved.

The solution was not in a nursing diagnosis nor even a care plan. It was simply in educating the family on simple things to help them meet their health goals. The family wrote their own action plan (not a care plan) as a result of the education.

So, there were diet (eat this instead of that), hydration (the water cure), sleep (no blue lights, tart cherry juice concentrate) and even neurolinguistic programming suggestions (to get the children to obey). No health assessment, no H & P, no science was required. It was mostly intuition, education and motivation.

They were so excited about the family project, they were destined to succeed. Oh yea, one of the family was also a nurse and was surprised she was never taught any of this.

Remember what the definition of a nurse is. What we do goes beyond the scope of any license.

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Again, thank you steeleworks for your valuable input. You have brought up so many things I haven't considered yet... There is such a gray area in some parts of this. Sure a nurse can use their education to talk about healthy eating but at what point does it cross over to a dietitian? I am trying to work out all those kinds of scenarios since my state is so strict. The program I was eyeing talks about using your license in conjunction with the certification- well, perhaps I will have to find another program that doesn't make you use your license just in case I have to keep them separate. I found the area in my nurse practice act that says what I can do- of course, nothing in that section that is related to billing or alternative therapies.

Do you do a H&P and health assessment? I wasn't picturing getting fancy in that aspect. I was considering making up a questionnaire and coming up with goals/steps and suggestions/actions for the issue at hand (based on what is subjective to avoid any issues on the objective end). I am now reconsidering that due to your comment about nursing diagnoses and care plans... because that makes sense!

That being said, I am still in my information gathering stage so all of this is very helpful. I wasn't planning on advertising that I am a nurse at first due to my state. Now I don't know because education is education anyway you look at it.. You should write a book, I would buy it :-)

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Specializes in Bloodless Medicine, Hospice, Holistic.

I am. You should take your own advice and write a book too.

There is where you will find a place that you can do the most. You will be able to sell the book, speak, teach and a number of opportunities may open for you. Actually, I am starting my second book. Have not launched the first yet but will some day.

Whether formal or informal, I always do a H & P.

As to the dietitian, this is a gray area too. Some states are going after non-licensed practitioners. The problem is that they could come after you as a nurse too. However, that being said, dietitians look advise what to eat in order to lead a healthy lifestyle reach a specific health-related goal.

The difference with a nurse advising related to diet, the dietitian can only tell what foods to eat. Under a nursing diagnosis and care plan, you can go much farther. In the end, it is the treating the whole person that brings the most success. Things like exercise, motivation and related emotional and social health issues are things only you are licensed to help a person with.

But, in the end, the courts interpret the law or in this case, nurse practice acts. It might be good to contact the state board of nursing and find through them, a lawyer that specializes in nurses. Go and spend $50 to $100 and have a list of questions. When asking them, do not settle for the opinion of the lawyer. Ask for the place in the act that specifies what the counselor is saying.

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Thanks for the advice. That is the thing with law- it is up to interpretation and even the BON put that in writing when I asked for specifics. They also told me I can submit a declaratory statement to the BON for further review. Luckily, I'm still a 6 months-1 year away from seeing anyone as a coach so I have time to get answers.

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Specializes in Correctional Nursing; MSN student.

What a fabulous thread! A friend of mine keeps encouraging me to pursue certification in holistic nursing. I'm not sure how to go about this but I will take all this wonderful information and push forward. Thank you all!

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The best thing I did to prepare me for becoming a certified holistic nurse was to attend The Birchtree Integrative Healing Arts Program. I also joined The American Holistic Nurses Association for a wealth of resources. Holistic Nursing really encompasses the "self care" foundation which is the element many of us are lacking. The Birchtree program changed my life.

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I just stumbled upon this thread too. Steelworks, would you be interested in speaking for the Michigan Holistic Nurses Association? I am the President and we do monthly CNE programs. We can skype you in. Love all you had to say. Also would you mind if I copied and pasted some of what you said on our Facebook page?

It has been years since I read Your Bodies Many Cries for water. So glad you went in depth with that on a later post.

Just thinking it will help my elderly parents a lot as I believe many of their current issues (Mom with dementia) and Dad with cardiac history, will benefit greatly from water cure. I had just been worrying about how dehydrated they are. Everything works better as energy travels through the hydrated body:)

I am in private practice too. Quick FYI: Drink 3 4-6 ounce glasses of club soda about an hour apart and it kicks out UTI immediately. Used it frequently with clients. Apparently it is the carbonation that works.

Thank you again so much. Hope I hear from you. Our website is Michigan Holistic Nurses Association (We are in process of updating...again)

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No such thing as a 'holistic nurse'. If you are into alternative/complimentary medicine, work for a naturopathic physician, or just hang your own shingle. Be sure you know the language of your NPA, and don't cross the line. You can do 'energy work', 'spiritual guidance' and a zillion other things that a LOT of people will gladlt pay you cash for...just don't cross the line with your advertising terminology.

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The best thing I did to prepare me for becoming a certified holistic nurse was to attend The Birchtree Integrative Healing Arts Program. I also joined The American Holistic Nurses Association for a wealth of resources. Holistic Nursing really encompasses the "self care" foundation which is the element many of us are lacking. The Birchtree program changed my life.

None of this stuff is recognized in any official capacity (not to say that it is fraud). Be informed, before you pay, is all. It's alternative, and I can say alternative/complimentary stuff is amazing- but be careful of your nursing license.

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Specializes in Correctional Nursing; MSN student.
None of this stuff is recognized in any official capacity (not to say that it is fraud). Be informed, before you pay, is all. It's alternative, and I can say alternative/complimentary stuff is amazing- but be careful of your nursing license.

Actually, there is certification in holistic nursing through the AHNCC. The American Holistic Nurses Association is a legitimate, honorable nursing organization for professional nurses. Holistic nursing has a focus on healing not curing, per se. A dying person can experience healing. I plan to pursue certification and admire nurses pursuing this path.

Holistic nursing is defined as all nursing practice that has healing the whole person as its goal. (AHNA, 1998)

Information about board certification for holistic nursing

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