Holistic Nurse Career Guide

When people think of healthcare, they’re often drawn to examples of preventative medicine that treat a health condition or a specific symptom. But with the rise of the wellness movement, many are looking for a more well-rounded approach to health. Holistic nursing was designed to answer that call with a focus on whole body wellness.

Many point to Florence Nightingale as the founder of holistic nursing, based on her own unique take on health and wellness at the turn of the century. Nightingale believed in treating the person as a whole, exploring how each patient lived their lives when they weren’t in medical care. She believed that a person’s lifestyle could have a big effect on their health. She also practiced what she preached, offering herself up as a role model for healthy living. Her mindset revolutionized nursing and eventually led to the creation of the American Holistic Nurses Association in 1980.

Holistic nursing involves being well versed in assisting patients to create and maintain self-care routines that can help them enhance and maintain their overall wellness and helps them see their health from a body, mind, and soul perspective. Nurses who focus on holistic process are also commonly referred to as a complementary health nurse. Though their title may seem different from those of a more traditional nursing background, these nurses are board certified and registered, and have completed a BSN degree. They may also use complementary techniques or collaborate across the spectrum of care to meet their patient’s needs.

Holistic nurses who have obtained their RN license can then apply for certification from the American Holistic Nurses Certification Corporation (AHNCC). While not necessarily mandatory, American Holistic Nurses Certifications can help holistic nurses stand out in a crowded employment space. Before applying for certification, they will be required to take a quantitative exam and qualitative assessment and show their continuing education in holistic nursing.

Some of the certifications a holistic nurse can obtain from the AHNCC include an Advanced Practice Holistic Nurse Board Certification (APHN-BC), a Holistic Nurse Baccalaureate Board Certification (HNB-BC), and a standard Holistic Nurse Certification (HN-BC).

Because the healthcare industry is constantly changing and patient care needs are always evolving, it’s important for holistic nurses to continue their education throughout their careers. Holistic nurses will be expected to complete a certain number of CEU hours to renew their RN licenses. Check with a state’s board of nursing on specific requirements before license renewal comes up.

Holistic nurses may also want to get certified in techniques or therapies that are complementary to their work. Some of the therapies they can choose to explore include:

• Massage therapy
  
• Acupuncture
• Hypnotherapy
• Hydrotherapy
• Dietary coaching

Each therapy requires its own separate training and may require their own certifications—check with state regulations before enrolling. Holistic nurses with a BSN or ADN may want to explore getting a master’s degree so they can open themselves up to more lucrative job offers.

Every state has its own requirements relating to continued education for holistic nurses. To get the most up-to-date information, contact the nearest board of nursing to ensure continued education requirements are being met.