(Newswire.net — July 26, 2023) — In 2007, the American Nurses Association (ANA) officially recognized Holistic Nursing as a distinct practice. Nurse health coaches in this field approach patient care from a comprehensive perspective, considering the whole person in their journey toward well-being. They take into account the patient’s body, spirit, socioeconomic background, environment, and culture when designing care plans.
Compared to traditional methods, the key difference lies in the focus on patient care. The holistic nurse builds strong relationships with their patients to foster healing and wellness. They believe that a patient’s well-being is influenced not only by biological factors but also by social, psychological, and spiritual aspects. Thus, individuality and personal needs take precedence over a one-size-fits-all approach.
Nurse health coaches share many responsibilities with Registered Nurses, but they enhance patient care by prioritizing comfort and relaxation during treatment. They avoid excessive reliance on drugs and instead utilize compassion, relaxation techniques, and positive imagery. Their official duties encompass:
- Embracing each patient’s unique individuality.
- Acknowledging the whole person, not just the medical condition.
- Maintaining respectful and mindful interactions with patients.
- Engaging in open communication to holistically assess patients.
- Identifying stress points that may affect a patient’s health significantly.
To achieve holistic care, nurse health coaches employ various methods, including:
- Aromatherapy and acupuncture
- Hypnosis and massage
- Eastern medicine
- Wellness coaching
- Hydrotherapy
The future of medicine seems to lean towards holistic nursing due to its significant benefits. While it has not yet surpassed traditional nursing, its approach to treating the entire person has led to improved quality of life, better health maintenance, and disease prevention. Unlike traditional medicine, which tends to focus solely on bacteria, viruses, and genetics as causes of sickness, holistic nursing acknowledges that environmental and experiential factors also play a vital role.
Mental health plays a crucial role in the healing process, but traditional medicine often neglects patients’ thoughts and feelings. Holistic nursing’s strength lies in its ability to address a person’s overall well-being and reduce stressors that contribute to declining health.
The key to the future of medicine lies in prevention rather than merely addressing existing health conditions. The holistic nurse actively works to prevent the progression of illnesses or their occurrence in the first place, leading to better outcomes and a win-win situation for modern healthcare.
As patients increasingly recognize the advantages of holistic care, the demand for nurse health coaches has grown substantially, with one in three patients now requesting their services. Harmoniously coexisting with traditional medicine, holistic nursing offers a powerful approach to modern healthcare.
For Registered Nurses seeking more fulfilling careers, becoming certified as a holistic nurse through the Nurse Coach Collective can be a transformative step. By focusing on patient care rather than navigating bureaucratic obstacles, nurse health coaches are redefining the future of nursing. The Nurse Coach Collective, nationally accredited, empowers nurses to make a real difference in patients’ lives by providing expert mentorship and fostering a supportive community. It offers a safe space for nurses to embrace a more rewarding path in their careers, ultimately revolutionizing healthcare.