The COVID 19 pandemic has shone a light on many professions, and none more so than nursing. Now more than ever, many nurses are recognizing that things in their profession can and should be different. As a result, interest in Holistic Nursing has increased like never before.
 
Holistic Nursing is an integrated approach that facilitates healing by taking into account the mental, spiritual, emotional, environmental, and social conditions of both the patient and the nurse. Holistic nurses understand that they can’t provide water from an empty well and that they must keep themselves mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy to provide holistic care. 

If your curiosity is piqued, you’re probably wondering where you can learn more about Holistic Nursing and how to incorporate it into your career. Fortunately, more and more resources are becoming available.

Resources for Holistic Nursing

Whether you are a nurse who has been working for decades or one who is just starting your career, you may want to learn more about Holistic Nursing: What’s the difference between Holistic Nursing and conventional nursing? What kind of work do Holistic Nurses do, and where do they do it? How does one become a Holistic Nurse? What are the board certification requirements for this specialty?
 
You can learn these answers by reading the rest of this article, and then if you have more questions, we invite you to schedule a complimentary phone call with Sharon Burch, MSN, APRN, PHCNS-BC, APHN-BC, HWNC-BC. Sharon is a holistic nurse educator, a board-certified holistic nurse coach, and a board-certified community health nurse specialist who's been a successful holistic nurse entrepreneur since 1984. Reserve your time for a chat here.

Steps to Becoming a Board Certified Holistic Nurse

Holistic Nursing is recognized as a nursing specialty by the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet Hospital Recognition Program. If you have a passion for treating each patient as a whole person, you’ll find this path immensely rewarding. 
 
With the right guidance, becoming a certified Holistic Nurse is doable for any registered nurse.

• Step 1: Complete an accredited registered nursing program. 
• Step 2: Pass the NCLEX exam.
• Step 3: Study holistic nursing through reading and continuing education courses while you apply a holistic approach to your nursing practice.
• Step 4: Earn your board certification through the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (AHNCC) certification exam.

Many certified holistic nurses go on to earn additional certifications in complementary modalities, such as yoga or aromatherapy, and some become nurse entrepreneurs.

Continuing Education for Holistic Nursing

One of the main draws towards a holistic nursing practice is the opportunity for nurses to expand their knowledge beyond conventional medical/surgical approaches, but holistic nursing practice is not about the modalities - it’s about viewing each patient/client as a whole person and supporting them to heal and grow to their highest potential. 

A holistic approach can be applied to any form of treatment, including conventional medical/surgical treatments, and used with any population in any practice setting.

To prepare themselves to practice holistically, nurses choose CE courses that teach them the scope and standards of holistic nursing practice and they explore complementary health and healing modalities such as:

While each state has different requirements for the CE hours necessary to maintain an RN license, the CE courses offered at New Directions for Nurses are accepted for license renewal in all fifty states. They also help you qualify to take the holistic nursing certification exam and keep your certification active and renewed.

Professional Organizations for Holistic Nurses

The American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA)

The Resources page on the AHNA website provides current and future holistic nurses with information on implementing holism into their practice, seeking and maintaining certification, self-care, mental health, and much more.

The American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (AHNCC)

This organization focuses on specialty certification, recertification, and renewal. Its Resources page includes a video library, archives, certification applications, and other documents. New Directions for Nurses CE courses help you qualify for AHNCC holistic nursing board certification and renewal! 

Further reading can also be done with these professional journals:

• Journal of Holistic Nursing
• Journal of Integrative Nursing

Speak One-on-One With a Successful Holistic Nurse Entrepreneur

Perhaps the best way to find answers to your questions about holistic nursing is to speak with a holistic nurse one-on-one. Schedule a complimentary call with Sharon today. Sharon recognizes that every situation is unique, and she is happy to help you identify the best steps that will help you move closer to your goals.

The healthcare system is making major shifts in the near future, and there’s no better time to choose your best path forward as a Holistic Nurse. If you believe your empathy, intuition, and experience have value to patients, and you want more control over the direction your life and career takes, start learning more about Holistic Nursing today.