Taking a Holistic Approach to Nursing
With the popularity of alternative therapies and medicine growing, more and more nurses are taking a holistic approach. The American Nurses Association gave holistic nursing specialty status recognition in 2006. A growing specialization, holistic nursing involves the idea that in order to treat a patient's medical condition, you must also consider their physical, mental, emotional, and social conditions. It operates on the belief that it is only after all areas of a patient's life are in balance that they are able to reach an optimum level of health. A holistic nurse combines nursing knowledge and theories to treat the physical, mental, and spiritual areas of a patient's life. Along with traditional medical treatments, holistic nurses integrate alternative therapies, such care as acupuncture, massage, aroma therapy, and biofeedback into their clinical practice.
The American Holistic Nurses’ Certification Corporation now endorses holistic nursing programs at 13 schools. AHNCC is the only national credentialing corporation that offers holistic nurse certification, which can be earned by anyone who has an unrestricted U.S. RN license and at least a Baccalaureate degree in any field. Certification requires that one completes 48 contact hours in holistic nursing theory, practice, research or ethics, within the last two years, as well as spends a year practicing full time in holistic nursing or at least 2000 hours in the last five years. One must then pass both a quantitative examination, which assesses one's knowledge and skills essential to the practice of holistic nursing, and a qualitative assessment, which assesses one's ability to integrate holistic nursing concepts into their professional and personal lives. Additional certifications specializing in areas such as integrative healing arts, holistic stress management, healing touch, and whole health education, can also be earned.
Holistic nurses have a unique relationship with their patients and try to teach them holism by first exemplifying it in their own lives. This means they must first achieve mental, physical, and spiritual balance in their own lives in order to be able to treat a patient to the best of their ability. They are interested in bonding with their patients on a deeper level and believe in making in creating a more personal and supportive environment to treat their patients in. Although the majority of holistic nurses work in hospitals, they can practice anywhere they have a nurse-client relation. Many of them own their own private practices as well as work in community health and wellness and fitness programs.
Top Online Nursing Programs
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University of Phoenix - RN to BSN. 27 Nursing Degrees. Students interested in reaching their career goals in the healthcare industry as a nurse will reach them at the University of Phoenix. University of Phoenix allows working adults the convenience of taking classes when they can.
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South University - A.S. in Allied Health Science. As an accredited online college, South University offers a respectable Associate’s Degree in Allied Health Science for those seeking to pursue a career in healthcare. The program is offered completely online, allowing students to learn in their own time without sacrificing their current responsibilities.
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LA College - A.A. in Health Care Administration. With a handful of online health programs, LA College is a great choice for students seeking entry-level positions in the healthcare industry. Their Associate’s degree in Health Care Administration will provide students with the basis for a multitude of job opportunities in hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, and many others.
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Post University - BS in Mgmt. For Registered Nurses. Post University is dedicated in helping students achieve their personal and professional goals in a timely manner, allowing them to pursue their careers in healthcare more quickly. The Bachelor of Science in Management for Registered Nurses degree will prepare nurses to obtain administrative and management roles that require critical-thinking, decision-making, and leadership skills.
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Herzing University - BSN-Bridge Program. With nursing constituting as the largest healthcare occupation today, Herzing University has created quality nursing programs to fulfill the increasing demand in the industry. At Herzing, students receive hands-on training in order to help them enter the workforce with confidence.
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The College Network - 10 universities offering Nursing Degrees. The College Network is one of the nation's top providers in providing high quality nursing degrees online. Students have the opportunity to pursue a variety of HealthCare degrees that that will allow them to further their career in Nursing.
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Jones International University - B.A. in Health Care Mgmt. Jones International University offers a Bachelor’s program in Health Care Management that will help students become skilled and effective managers in the healthcare industry. Students could work in a variety of different settings upon completion of the program.
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Virginia College - BS in Health Services Management. Virginia College is dedicated in helping students achieve their goals and aspirations to advance in the health care industry. Their Bachelor’s degree in Health Services Management will prepare students for a variety of career options in assistant management or administrative positions within a healthcare facility.
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Western Governors University - B.S. in Nursing. Western Governors University is an accredited online university offering a variety of nursing and healthcare programs for students of all ages. Their Nursing program will incorporate patient education, health promotion, nursing roles, technology, and many other health related subjects.
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Baker College - B.S. in Nursing. Baker College allows students to complete their Nursing degree completely online, at their own pace and time. Their program provides current registered nurses with the opportunity to advance and continue their growth.
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Keiser University - B.A. in Health Services Administration. With several degree options in the healthcare field, Keiser University prepares students for a variety of positions in any healthcare setting. Their mission is to help students develop skills and knowledge that will prepare them for leadership positions upon graduation.
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Indiana State University - LPN to BSN. Students looking to jump start a career will find accredited an accredited RN to BSN nursing degree from the Indiana State University. Indiana State University was originally founded in 1865 and over this time has prepared thousands of students for new, exciting careers.
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