Holistic Nursing: Focusing On The Whole Person
Holistic Nursing: Focusing On The Whole Person
Holistic Nursing: Focusing On The Whole Person
Issue Date: October 2013 Vol. 8 No. 10 Authors: Nina A. Klebanoff, PhD, APRN, LPCC, PMHCNS-BC, AHN-BC, and Darlene Hess, PhD, RN, AHN-BC, PMHNPBC, ACC 1 Comments
Expand your knowledge of holistic nursing by reading the answers to commonly asked questions.
What are standards and scope of practice for holistic nursing practice?
The AHNA and the ANA co-published Holistic Nursing Scope & Standards of Practice. The standards are aligned with the definition, values, assumptions, and other standards of nursing as outlined by the ANA. Standards of Practice reveals the unique intricacies of the specialtys scope of practice, and describes the standards of practice and professional performance of holistic nursing. It defines holistic nursing, provides an overview and history of holistic nursing, and describes the following regarding holistic nursing: principles, core values, responsibilities, educational preparation (basic, advanced, and continuing education), certification, information about complementary/alternative modalities (CAM), and position statements. Standards of Practice also shines a light on the philosophy, values, knowledge, and skills on which holistic care, health, and healing are based, and shows the relationship of CAM to the standards. Five core values integrate the art and science of nursing and capture the essence of holistic nursing: Holistic Holistic Holistic Holistic Holistic philosophy, theories, and ethics caring process communication, therapeutic environment, and cultural diversity education and research self-care.
Students are seeking programs that focus on holistic nursing and integrative health. In 2008, the revised The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice, from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, incorporated terminology that referred to holistic, patient-centered care and the expectation that nurses understand complementary and alternative modalities. The Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act of 2010 defines how health care will be delivered for the foreseeable future. Patient-centered care will achieve considerable attention, and patients will become key players in determining which health care outcomes are valued. With an emphasis on effectiveness, coordination of services, and preventive care, a strong foundation in lifestyle change and holistic care strategies are required. In this new climate of healthcare delivery, nurse coaches who practice from a holistic framework are partnering with patients to achieve health and wellness goals.