Yoga teacher training - Can it benefit my nursing practice?

[078207]

I am just starting my 4 year program BSc Nursing Degree and I have no idea exactly where I will ultimately end up... Maybe oncology ? nicu? L&D?

I started to think about getting my Yoga Teacher Training and teach a class or two a week and hopefully work a shift as a nursing aid once a week while in school.

I am wondering if I can use yoga as a tool while working as an RN or even nursing aid ? - Breathing techniques ? - stretching ? stress reducer ? And does this skill entice future employers?

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

maybe. I do not know what yoga teachers do. I do know that "alternative" therapies are frowned upon in hospital settings, unless ordered by MD. It gives the appearance of you practicing on a vulnerable person. Would have to be done delicately.

[Stephalump]

Eh...I don't know. My gut is it say, no, it won't be enticing to future employers, but it "could" be helpful in certain areas of nursing. Assuming you had time for all that "extra" stuff we could be doing but generally don't.

[Dranger]

No, you will be busy as it is, half that relaxation, guided imagery stuff you never really do because of time

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

I'm going to agree with everyone else. The cynical employer will look at this and think "so this person's not going to be available to work on Tuesdays because she teaches a yoga class on Tuesday nights". Hospitalized patients are generally too sick to do yoga. It might work on psych though.

[PixieRN14]

It all depends on where you are. University of MD offers the School of Integrative Health. They combine traditional medicine with things such as yoga, tai chi and Reiki. A few years back a huge article was done on incorporating reiki as a form of pain management into their renowned Shock Trauma.

[krisiepoo]

Not really, but it may help YOU with meditative breathing, relaxation, etc while in school and in your practice. However, it may focus your attention on alternative therapies as a specialty

[rubato, ASN, RN]

Yeah, I think it will benefit your health but not your career. I'm a personal trainer and truly don't see how I'll be more marketable d/t that. It did help in anatomy/physiology though.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

In psych it could be helpful. They have the groups and one of the groups for kids was yoga. One adult group included Wii fitness so it is different there.

I am wondering if I can use yoga as a tool while working as an RN or even nursing aid ? - Breathing techniques ? - stretching ? stress reducer ?

I suppose it depends on exactly where you end up working but in my experience, you'll have very little time to do much besides assessments, giving meds, cleaning patients, charting, wound care, etc. It's rare to have much time with a patient that's not strictly focused on tasks.

What you describe sounds like a great foundation for a doula, though.

And does this skill entice future employers?

Nope. About the only thing employers care about are a license, a degree (for some), and experience... and sometimes, second/third/fourth languages.

[078207]

Dang I was hoping it that would look desirable. Thanks for the input.