Holistic Nursing: It’s Not Voodoo!

By Kathy Parrish RN, HN-BC

When I tell people that I am certified in Holistic Nursing, invariably someone will say, “Oh, that voodoo stuff.” Recently recognized as a specialty by the American Nurses Association, Holistic Nursing is a specialty practiced nationwide that is based on a body of knowledge, evidence-based research, sophisticated skill sets, defined standards of practice, and a philosophy of living and being that is grounded in caring, relationship, and interconnectedness. (American Holistic Nurses Association, 2006). Holistic Nursing is based on the concept that body, mind, and spirit are one. It is a science and an art.

As a way of life as well as nursing practice, the nurse must first care for himself or herself before he or she can be an effective healer. Holistic nurses incorporate into their practice the consideration of their patients as whole beings whose family, environment, and spirit are essential to their health and well-being.

The holistic nurse enters into therapeutic relationships with intention, presence, and a caring, loving heart. Intention is a conscious process, an awareness of being in the moment. Presence implies being authentically with the patient and family physically, mentally, and spiritually. Integrative or complementary therapies may be used in a holistic nursing practice, but the modalities themselves don’t make a practice holistic. They do, however, provide healing, connecting opportunities.

The beauty of holistic nursing practice is that it is also an individualized art. Here are some tips to help bedside nurses take care of themselves as well as patients and families:

• Before entering the workplace, try to empty your mind of outside worries, cares, and concerns.
• Take two deep slow breaths.
• Set your intention for your shift. For example, “Today I will be a healing presence for my patient,” or, “Today I will be a teacher.”
• Remember that you are the environment. You set the tone for the room you are in and, ultimately, for the unit.
• Be present to your patients and families. This includes focusing on the patient while doing cares, rather than conversing with co-workers over the top of the Isolette.
• Remember that babies are intuitive, spiritual beings. They sense your intention through your presence and touch, and they will respond to what they feel.
• You can open your heart and still remain in a professional relationship with patients and families. Care.
• Take care of yourself at work. Take your breaks and don’t skip meals.
• Remember to breathe.

Kathy Parrish, RN, HN-BC, is a staff nurse in NICU at Children’s.