How fulfilling is your nursing career? Many nurses, over time, realize that they aren’t doing as much as they expected. If you are at this stage, it could be time to expand your horizon. Among the fulfilling paths that you can pursue at this point includes holistic nursing. Holistic nursing entails a comprehensive approach, including preventative techniques, mindfulness, and traditional medicine. It doesn’t only focus on the physical aspects. It extends to spiritual, emotional/psychological, mental, and surroundings. After a period of administering meds and handling those quick fixes, you might be a little skeptical about holistic nursing. Nonetheless, it is a viable path as you work to do more as a nurse. Here is a quick rundown on the typical day of a holistic nurse practitioner.

The approach

The holistic nursing approach treats patients as a whole, not the ailing parts. It acknowledges the physical, mental, emotional, and environmental interrelation, treating a patient at each level. As a holistic nurse, among the responsibilities includes;

Discussing with a patient and encouraging them to talk about various facets of their well-being. Through the discussions, a holistic nurse practitioner better understands the patient. This means that they can establish potential problems impacting their recovery process. This enables them to tailor an approach best suited for the patient, not the general strategy like meds administration for physical recovery.

Holistic nurses identify potential complementary care strategies that can help a patient. This includes measures like massage, acupuncture, meditation, aromatherapy, to mention a few. Such approaches are effective as they address many concerns that affect a patient. Combining medical and complementary approaches supercharges the treatment program. This leads to faster and effective recovery.

Stress management advice is also an integral part of holistic nursing. This is especially considering changes in a patient life that can impact their recovery journey. For instance, a patient may no longer get back to their normal routine after an accident or injury. Accepting the situation is not easy, stressing the need to devise an approach that positively helps them manage the changes. A holistic nurse practitioner positions a patient at an advantage point with stress management. It helps them to heal beyond the physical concerns.

Wellness coaching is also common in the life of a holistic nurse. Lifestyles, at times, are the only thing standing between a patient and their recovery. With the coaching, a holistic nurse can help patients change their routines, improving their wellness.

Holistic nursing opportunities

Where can you work as a holistic nurse? The career outlook is promising, as you can work virtually anywhere. This includes;

Home care: A holistic nurse can work in residential nursing homes, hospice care, or offer in-home care. Adjusting to serious conditions isn’t easy. As a holistic nurse, you can;

• Advice patients
• Help them adjust spiritually, emotionally, and physically
• Develop non-pharmacological pain management strategies, among others

Hospitals: A holistic nurse helps in ways such as;

• Devising practical complementary care measures
• Non-pharmacological pain and management
• Educating patients, to mention a few

Learning institutions: You can work as a holistic nurse coach. You can also work in institutions such as colleges and universities. A holistic nurse can help students lead a healthier and active lifestyle. This ranges from advising students on anxiety and stress management concerns and how to maintain whole-body wellness.

Apart from employment, you can also decide to explore your entrepreneurial side. Starting your practice opens many doors, especially with more freedom. While considering the career outlay, income can’t be overlooked. Holistic nursing is satisfying on many levels while working with a patient, but how about your finances? On a salary basis, the income varies following considerations such as;

• Location
• Experience
• BSN status

A holistic nursing program equips you with the needed skills that break the boundaries designed to address physical symptoms. In the modern information age, more consumers recognize the value of holistic wellness. As such, holistic nurse practitioners’ demand will likely soar. This is as more patients turn to more proactive wellness strategies. As a registered nurse, considering a holistic nursing program is among the most promising paths you can take as you strive to scale your career. The best part is that the programs are readily available and manageable. You can even pursue a virtual program, making it easier to prepare for the exam and get certified.