The Root Cause That Isn’t Being Addressed
Quantum medicine combines traditional healthcare with energy healing principles to address the mind, body, and spirit. For holistic nurses, integrating reiki, acupressure, and homeopathy enhances patient care. By incorporating these modalities, holistic nurses provide comprehensive, patient-centered care that fosters wellness and deeper connections with their patients. Discover the power of quantum medicine today!
Functional medicine has been a significant movement in healthcare, focusing on the root cause of illness by treating the patient holistically rather than just addressing symptoms. It operates under the principle that by identifying and addressing these root causes, practitioners can support the body in restoring health. However, while functional medicine is a big step in the right direction, it often lacks a critical component: an understanding of our energetic and spiritual nature. This missing piece may indeed be the root cause that isn’t yet being addressed.
This holistic perspective is one reason why I chose to become a Naturopathic Doctor rather than a Nurse Practitioner or Medical Doctor. Naturopathic medicine not only emphasizes identifying root causes and using natural therapies but also honors the Vis Medicatrix Naturae – the body’s innate healing force. This concept, often overlooked in functional medicine and certainly in conventional medicine, is like the tuning of an instrument; when our vital force is in balance, the entire system functions harmoniously. However, when it falls out of tune, similar to a guitar out of tune, it can create ripple effects throughout our organ systems, affecting health and vitality.
Quantum medicine, which recognizes that our consciousness and energy fields are deeply interconnected with our physical bodies, builds on this principle. Ancient medical systems like Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Unani, along with more contemporary approaches such as German New Medicine and Homeopathy, have long understood this. Louise Hay’s book, "You Can Heal Your Life," also speaks to this concept: our thoughts, beliefs, and emotions can either support or hinder our health.
When the root cause of imbalance is an untuned vital force, therapies that address both the physical and energetic bodies—such as reiki, homeopathy, Bach flower essences, and acupressure—can be highly effective. When combined with supportive physical therapies like nutrition, yoga, and breathwork, these practices create a truly integrative healing experience. By supporting the balance of this vital force, we can promote deep shifts in health that go beyond symptom relief to support body, mind, and spirit alignment.
At Nurses for Natural Health, we are committed to this truly integrative approach. By empowering nurses to work with both the body and energy fields, we help bring harmony to our clients’ lives. This vision goes beyond the limitations of functional medicine to embrace a paradigm where holistic healing is fully possible, helping clients find balance in the most profound ways.
Acupressure: The Power of Touch in Emotional Healing
"Enhance your nursing career with our Acupressure for Holistic Nursing Program, designed specifically for nurses looking to integrate acupressure into patient care. This comprehensive training teaches essential acupressure techniques to relieve stress, support emotional healing, and manage physical symptoms naturally. Ideal for holistic nurses, trauma-informed care providers, and those in integrative health, our program combines Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, including the 5 Element Theory, to support mind-body wellness. Gain practical skills to elevate patient care and promote balance and healing. Start transforming your nursing practice with acupressure today
When we think of acupressure, we usually focus on its most well-known uses, such as easing nausea or relieving migraines. Yet, one of the most powerful applications of acupressure lies in emotional healing—a vital tool for holistic nurses and healthcare professionals aiming to elevate their careers. This ancient practice can be transformative, helping individuals navigate strong emotions like grief, panic, and anxiety. For trauma-informed holistic nurses and nurse coaches, acupressure offers a unique, gentle approach to supporting emotional healing, creating space for transformation and deep well-being.
A key reason acupressure is effective in emotional healing is its foundation in Traditional Chinese Medicine’s (TCM) 5 Element Theory. In this framework, each organ system and its corresponding meridian pathway carry distinct emotional tendencies, meaning that by supporting an organ system, we can help clear emotional blockages and improve energy flow. This technique allows nurses to enhance emotional well-being through natural touch.
For instance, the lung and large intestine meridians are associated with processing grief and letting go. If a patient is working through grief, stimulating points like *LU9* (Lung 9) and *LI4* (Large Intestine 4) can help soothe sorrow and nurture feelings of joy and presence. The heart meridian is also beneficial, as it helps calm emotional overwhelm by “calming the shen,” or spirit. Points along the heart meridian can be used to foster emotional resilience and internal peace, making acupressure a powerful tool for trauma-informed care.
When addressing anxiety, working with the kidney meridian is especially effective. In TCM, the kidney system governs our sense of safety, stability, and inner calm. Kidney points, such as K3(Kidney 3), are deeply grounding and help release the fear and tension that can accompany anxiety, providing a natural alternative to calm the nervous system.
Integrating acupressure techniques into nursing practice can offer holistic nurses a unique way to support emotional healing, build patient trust, and elevate their careers in holistic health. Whether in acute care, mental health support, or wellness coaching, these acupressure techniques enable nurses to address the emotional needs of their patients—setting the foundation for a truly compassionate, patient-centered practice.
Glow from the Inside Out: How Holistic Nurses Can Help Transform Your Beauty Routine
Holistic Nurses as Natural Beauty consultants? Learn how to achieve radiant, glowing skin from the inside out with natural therapies such as nutrition, mindfulness, acupressure, and lymphatic massage. Discover the impact of stress on your physical appearance and how holistic nurses can support you in reducing puffiness, dark circles, and uneven complexion. Explore beauty-boosting foods rich in vitamin C, collagen, and phytonutrients like blueberries and bone broth. Holistic nurses offer unique, out-of-the-box beauty solutions, combining natural skincare with stress-relief techniques to help you feel and look your best. Embrace a holistic approach to beauty today!
Stress can do more than drain your energy—it can also affect your physical appearance. Puffy eyes, dark circles, breakouts, and dull skin are common signs of what’s sometimes called "cortisol face." As the body's main stress hormone, cortisol can lead to water retention and metabolic changes that result in a bloated, uneven complexion. While some influencers attribute facial changes to weight loss, holistic nurses understand that the underlying issue is often deeper: chronic stress.
As a holistic nurse, you are uniquely positioned to help others not only manage stress but also improve their natural beauty through holistic approaches. Incorporating natural therapies like lymphatic facial massage and facial acupressure can reduce puffiness, improve circulation, and promote skin elasticity. These techniques help drain excess fluids and stimulate collagen production, leaving skin more toned and radiant.
Lymphatic Massage Exercise:
1. Start with clean hands and apply a gentle facial oil (I recommend jojoba). Please note that Lymphatic massage involves VERY light touch.
2. Using the pads of your fingers, begin at the center of your forehead and gently sweep outwards towards the temples.
3. Move down to your cheeks, sweeping from the sides of the nose toward the ears in light, upward motions.
4. Under your jawline, gently press and move from the chin outward toward the base of your ears.
5. Finish by lightly pressing down the sides of your neck toward your collarbone, encouraging lymphatic drainage.
Repeat each motion 5–10 times.
Nutrition is another powerful tool for supporting healthy skin. Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, which keeps the skin firm and youthful. Holistic nurses can guide their clients in incorporating foods rich in vitamin C—such as oranges, bell peppers, and kiwi—into their diets to boost collagen synthesis. Foods like bone broth, high in collagen, can further strengthen the skin’s structure from within.
Holistic nurses can also recommend phytonutrient-rich foods like blueberries and green tea (containing EGCG), which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that nourish the skin. Herbs like calendula and cleavers support lymphatic drainage and detoxification, which also contribute to a healthy, glowing complexion.
By integrating beauty tips into their practice, holistic nurses help clients manage stress, rejuvenate their skin, and build confidence in a way that aligns with natural health principles. With the right blend of nutrition, therapy, and mindfulness, it’s possible to look and feel radiant despite life’s stressors.
Want to learn how nutrition can improve your skin and overall health? Join our 'Certificate in Integrative and Functional Nutrition for Nurses' program and discover the beauty-boosting power of food. Sign up today to achieve a glowing complexion and vibrant health!
Functional Approach to Fertility by Jessica Joseph, Fertility RN
Jessica Joseph of Guided Fertility shares her functional approach to leading couples in conception. To learn more about her and her practice, go to www.guidedfertilityrn.com
One in four women of reproductive age in the United States will have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term, according to the CDC. As a fertility nurse, most of my career focused on clinical interventions to help patients get pregnant. Interventions such as guiding patients on how to take the medication Clomid or assisting with IVF treatments to tackle infertility. A common thread I found in many of my patients is the desire to take more control over their reproductive health. To address their needs, I have transitioned my career by launching a fertility consulting business. My methods now involve helping couples optimize fertility holistically, taking an organic approach before seeking fertility treatments.
While I do not discount the conventional approach, as I have witnessed the profound impact of fertility treatments, I firmly believe that a functional approach to fertility will improve the odds for many couples. It is worth noting that whether you are trying to conceive naturally or through treatment, your overall health should be the cornerstone of your fertility journey. Even though the functional approach does not overly rely on medications or treatment, it still poses challenges for some as it requires accountability and self-reliance.
Nutrition and reproductive health have an intricate connection. Strategic foods can help promote fertility, especially if you struggle with ovulation, have a thin uterine lining or unbalanced hormones, or might have a condition such as PCOS or endometriosis. Certain supplements will also help. However, my basic approach is foods first and supplements second since the bioavailability of nutrients differs vastly based on the source.
Sleep is just as crucial as nutrition (if not more important) since it regulates hormones. In particular, the reproductive hormones FSH and LH and the adrenal hormone cortisol, which, although not a reproductive hormone, still impacts fertility. If cortisol is constantly elevated, it may affect a woman’s ability to ovulate. Melatonin also rises in sleep, which is critical for egg quality.
Exercise is another aspect of fertility that is often dismissed. Exercise increases blood flow to the uterus and manages glucose and insulin levels, which, if elevated, affect your ability to get pregnant. Furthermore, if you are trying to achieve a healthy weight to get pregnant, you will benefit from aerobic exercise and strength training.
Adopting a functional approach to fertility empowers you to take control of your reproductive health. Addressing the underlying factors that affect fertility will cultivate an increased chance of conception. Ultimately, this approach not only enhances the chances of pregnancy but also promotes overall health and well-being for those on their path to parenthood.
About Our Guest Blogger:
Jessica Joseph, RN, BSN, MHA, is passionate about reproductive health and wellness. She founded Guided Fertility™, LLC, a virtual service offering fertility consultations to empower individuals through evidence-based education. She has over a decade of experience as a fertility nurse.
Jessica regularly writes for Fertility Outloud, where she has several published articles on various fertility topics. In addition, she is a hormone health coach for Mira Fertility, providing her clients with in-depth hormone evaluation based on their Mira hormone data.
Her credentials include:
● ASRM certification in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI)
● AHNA certification in Functional Nutrition
● Marquette Model certification for Natural Family Planning (NFP)
● Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing (SUNY Delhi)
● Masters Degree in Health Administration (Hofstra University)
● Licensed RN in NY
To find out more about her services or for inquiries, please use the information below:
Website: www.guidedfertilityrn.com
Email: info@guidedfertilityrn.com
Instagram: @guidedfertility3
Facebook: Guided Fertility
No Really, How Are You?
Finding the balance between caregiving and self-giving can be difficult for holistic nurses, but it is necessary. Try this simple exercise in helping you restore emotional balance.
When someone asks, "How are you?" do you respond with a reflexive “Good!” accompanied by an upbeat tone, even if that’s not the whole truth? This social norm often masks deeper realities. As holistic nurses, you manage the emotional weight of your own well-being while tending to the needs of others. What if you’re seen starting to fall apart? Will it change how others perceive you or affect your role?
The Phenomenon of Restraint Collapse
In my work with clients, particularly those dealing with PTSD, I frequently observe a phenomenon called "Restraint Collapse." This occurs when the immense effort to maintain composure, regulate their internal emotions while navigating their daily stressors becomes so overwhelming that the nervous system eventually breaks down. It’s akin to winding a spring too tightly; it can only hold so much pressure before it unravels.
Our nervous systems are dynamic, capable of winding and unwinding like a spring. Under constant pressure, we’re winding ourselves up, and eventually, we might experience a collapse. As nurses in sometimes high-stress environments, we sometimes have to CONTAIN ourselves and keep it together for someone else’s sake. Recognizing this process helps us understand that it’s okay to let go and fall apart at times. These moments of vulnerability are not weaknesses but can be sources of profound strength and growth.
Embracing Our Humanity
Holding it together and falling apart don’t need to be rigid extremes we endure. Sometimes it starts with really asking ourselves and authentically answering: “How am I?” Embracing our humanity means accepting our vulnerabilities and acknowledging that it’s okay to not have everything together all the time. These moments can lead to deeper self-awareness and resilience.
Navigating Our Emotional Landscapes
Interception—the ability to sense and understand our internal states—is key to navigating our emotional landscapes. By tuning into our emotions, we can better manage our responses and find strength in our vulnerabilities. Authentic conversations about our true feelings allow us to connect more deeply with ourselves and others. To gain more interception, I invite you to try this exercise in a quiet, safe and undisturbed space:
What do I notice in my body? Notice what is happening in your body without any judgement
Name any emotions that may come up: “I feel__________”
Normalize your reaction. By normalizing, we make space for our tolerance of our experience. Avoid minimizing, shaming or catastrophizing, as this can amplify what is already a difficult experience for us. If this is difficult for you, imagine a good friend or loved one saying, “You’re struggling because this is hard.”
Nurture yourself with self-care. Take a few deep breaths. Reach out to a trusted friend. Take a bath. Do the things that will help you emotionally support yourself.
Caregiving vs. Self-giving
Our caregiving roles often overshadows self-care and self-giving, leading to a critical imbalance. As holistic nurses, prioritizing self-care is essential because it affirms that we, too, are important. This deliberate focus on our own well-being creates the space necessary to recharge and maintain our resilience. By ensuring we nurture ourselves, we enhance our capacity to meet the demands of our profession effectively, ultimately fostering a more sustainable and fulfilling approach to both our personal and professional lives.
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If you’re ready to explore these concepts further, join us at the Natural Nurse Summit on October 12. This event will offer a space for genuine connection, self-reflection, and practical strategies to navigate and embrace your vulnerabilities. Reserve your spot today and take a step towards a more balanced and authentic approach to your holistic practice.
The Top 10 Tips for Sustainable Weight Loss
Here are Dr. Vanessa's top 10 actions to help with sustainable weight loss. How many of these are you already doing?
Keywords:
Weight loss, Nurse Coach, Nutrition Coach, Nurse Nutrition Certification
As healthcare professionals, we know that food is powerful medicine, but even we can struggle with weight loss, especially under stress. Achieving sustainable weight loss isn’t just about cutting calories—it's about balancing hormones, reducing inflammation, and nourishing your body. By incorporating food as medicine, we can create lasting change.
Here’s Dr Vanessa’s 10-step checklist to use food and lifestyle as tools for weight loss:
1. 10,000 Steps per Day: Boost metabolism and improve circulation by walking 10,000 steps a day. Walking is a natural stress reliever and supports weight management.
2. Intermittent Fasting (12 Hours Overnight): Giving your digestive system a break with at least 12 hours of fasting overnight stabilizes insulin levels and supports fat burning, which can be especially helpful during stressful times. While 12 hours is recommended, it is based on how well you can tolerate fasting. For some, it could be 8 hours and working your way up to 12.
3. 7-8 Hours of Sleep: Stress often impacts sleep, and lack of sleep leads to weight gain. Prioritize 7-8 hours of sleep to keep hormones like cortisol and ghrelin in check and to support metabolism.
4. Handful of Protein at Every Meal: Protein is your ally. It keeps blood sugar stable and curbs cravings. Incorporating a serving of protein at every meal will help you stay satisfied and nourish your muscles.
5. Probiotics or Fermented Foods (2 Servings Daily): A healthy gut is essential for weight loss. Include 2 servings of fermented foods like sauerkraut or yogurt, or take a quality probiotic to promote gut health and metabolism.
6. Time Your Carbs for the First Half of the Day: To stabilize energy levels, enjoy complex carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes in the morning and afternoon. End your day with a low-carb, low-fat dinner to promote fat burning overnight.
7. Lemon Water Before Coffee: Start your day with a glass of lemon water to support digestion, stimulate the liver and hydration before your coffee. This simple habit can reduce cravings and improve your body’s alkalinity.
8. 3 Grams of Omega-3s Daily: Omega-3s help reduce inflammation and promote weight loss. Get 3 grams daily through foods like chia seeds (1 tbsp), flaxseeds (1.5 tbsp), or hemp seeds (3 tbsp).
9. Limit Omega-6 Intake to Under 5g Daily: Omega-6 fatty acids, found in processed foods, vegetable and seed oils can increase inflammation. Reducing your intake to under 5 grams a day supports better metabolic health.
10. 5-10 Minutes of Grounding or Meditation Daily: Stress management is critical for weight loss. Take 5-10 minutes daily to practice grounding or meditation to lower cortisol and bring balance to your hormones.
Incorporating food as medicine into your daily life can help you regain control of your health, even in stressful times. How many of these are you engaging in? Share these steps with your patients and practice them yourself for lasting, meaningful results.
Ready to use nutrition in your clinical practice? Get your Certificate in Functional Nutrition today!
Boost Mental Health and Reduce Burnout with Adaptogens and Holistic Foods
Learn how functional nutrition and holistic nursing can help reduce burnout and improve mental health in nurses. Discover the benefits of adaptogens and functional foods, and explore becoming a nutrition-certified nurse coach. Nutrition for Nurses program starts October 3.
Keywords: Functional Nutrition, holistic nursing, nutrition for nurses, nutrition certificate for nurses, nurse nutritionist, functional foods, adaptogens for burnout
As a nurse, balancing long shifts and high-stress environments can take a toll on both your physical and mental health. Functional nutrition, combined with holistic nursing practices, offers a path to restore balance by addressing root causes of burnout.
What Is Functional Nutrition?
Functional nutrition looks at food as medicine, focusing on how whole foods can support the body’s natural healing processes. This approach emphasizes nutrient-dense, unprocessed foods that provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are critical for maintaining energy levels and mental clarity.
Combat Burnout with Functional Foods
Burnout among nurses is on the rise, often exacerbated by nutrient deficiencies. Incorporating functional foods—like leafy greens, berries, nuts, and seeds—helps stabilize blood sugar and improve brain function. Omega-3-rich foods, such as salmon and walnuts, are especially beneficial for reducing inflammation and boosting cognitive health.
Adaptogens for Stress Management
Adaptogens, like ashwagandha and rhodiola, are powerful tools in holistic nursing for managing stress. These herbs help the body adapt to stress by balancing cortisol levels and improving resilience to physical and mental fatigue. Adding adaptogens to your daily routine, whether through teas or supplements, can enhance mental health and prevent burnout.
Holistic Nutrition: A Path to Better Mental Health
Integrating functional foods and adaptogens into your diet supports not only physical wellness but also mental health. By nourishing your body with whole foods and balancing stress hormones naturally, you can reduce the risk of burnout and improve your overall well-being.
Nutrition for Nurses: Certificate in Integrative and Functional Nutrition
Ready to take your nursing practice to the next level? The Certificate in Integrative and Functional Nutrition for Nurses program begins on October 3, offering you the chance to become a nutrition-certified nurse coach. Learn how to use functional nutrition and holistic health principles to help your patients—and yourself—achieve optimal wellness. Payment plans are available, making it easier than ever to start this transformative journey!
Keywords: Functional Nutrition, holistic nursing, nutrition for nurses, nutrition certificate for nurses, nurse nutritionist, functional foods, adaptogens for burnout
Balancing Evidence Based Medicine and Experiential Mysticism in Holistic Nursing
Vajravidāranā is a significant practice in Tibetan Buddhism, known for its powerful ritual purification and healing qualities. By creating healing rituals for ourselves and our patients, this can help to reconnect us to the healing energies around us.
Last night, under the radiant blue full moon, I had the profound honor of participating in the Vajravidarana ritual for the first time. This sacred practice from Tibetan Buddhism unfolds in three stages: purification, where we cleanse our spirits of negativity; invocation, as we call upon ancient wisdom and energies; and protection, aligning ourselves with these powerful healing forces.
The full moon’s energies added a potent layer to the ritual, intensifying my connection to the unknown. In this space of uncertainty, we often find ourselves open to the divine, connecting with spiritual and mystical forces that transcend what evidence-based practices can fully capture.
As healthcare professionals increasingly compelled to adhere strictly to empirical approaches, we can easily overlook the mystical journey of discovery that also plays a critical role in our healing.
This experience reaffirmed the importance of integrating rituals and spirituality into our holistic practices, especially in times of crisis. These practices connect us to the healing forces around us, providing comfort and guidance that go beyond what can be measured or quantitative.
They are essential not only for our clients but also for ourselves, fostering resilience and tranquility in the face of illness and distress.
Rituals reconnect us with our inner selves and the greater universe, offering a profound sense of peace and divine connection amid uncertainty (and do we have a lot of that right now!). They remind us that healing is a journey that embraces both the tangible and intangible, the measurable and the mystical.
As you reflect on the rituals that resonate with your spirit, consider deepening your holistic approach through practices like mindfulness and yoga. These can further enrich your personal and professional journey.
Reconnect with your own healing journey and enrich your practice by embracing these transformative tools.
To support you in this exploration, we invite you to join our Mindfulness or Yoga course with a special discount! Use code HEAL2024 at checkout to receive 10% off your registration. Discount available until August 24, 2024.
Integrating the 8 Dimensions of Wellness in Your Holistic Nursing Practice
ncorporating the 8 dimensions of wellness into your clinical practice offers a profound advantage for both you and your clients. By addressing chronic pain, insomnia, and stress through these comprehensive and multifaceted needs, you create a more effective and holistic approach to care. For nurses, integrating these practices not only improves patient outcomes but also enhances job satisfaction and career fulfillment. This approach fosters a deeper connection with your patients, leading to a more meaningful and enriching nursing experience. Embracing the 8 domains of wellness empowers you to deliver care that nurtures the whole person, aligning with your holistic nursing philosophy and enhancing your professional growth.
As nurses, integrating holistic approaches into patient care can enhance overall well-being. The 8 dimensions of wellness—emotional, social, occupational, physical, intellectual, environmental, spiritual, and financial—serve as a comprehensive framework for assessment and intervention. Here’s how you can incorporate each domain into your practice:
Emotional Wellness: Encourage patients to express their feelings and provide a supportive environment. Exercise: Use guided journaling prompts to help patients reflect on their emotions and stressors.
Social Wellness: Promote strong social connections. Exercise: Facilitate group activities or support groups to build community and reduce isolation.
Occupational Wellness: Support patients in finding purpose and satisfaction in their work. Exercise: Help patients set small, achievable goals related to their work or daily tasks.
Physical Wellness: Advocate for regular physical activity and healthy eating. Exercise: Develop a personalized fitness plan and provide nutritional support.
Intellectual Wellness: Stimulate mental engagement through learning. Exercise: Recommend engaging in new hobbies or educational activities that challenge the mind.
Environmental Wellness: Create a safe and healthy living environment. Exercise: Encourage patients to assess their home environment for potential hazards or stressors. Another exercise could be to help them create an area of their home or place that is safe for them.
Spiritual Wellness: Address spiritual needs and values. Exercise: Offer mindfulness or meditation sessions
Financial Wellness: Assist with financial stressors affecting health. Exercise: Provide resources or referrals for financial counseling and management.
Incorporating the 8 dimensions of wellness into your clinical practice offers a profound advantage for both you and your clients. By addressing chronic pain, insomnia, and stress through these comprehensive and multifaceted needs, you create a more effective and holistic approach to care. For nurses, integrating these practices not only improves patient outcomes but also enhances job satisfaction and career fulfillment. This approach fosters a deeper connection with your patients, leading to a more meaningful and enriching nursing experience. Embracing the 8 domains of wellness empowers you to deliver care that nurtures the whole person, aligning with your holistic nursing philosophy and enhancing your professional growth.
Enhance your holistic nursing practice by enrolling in our Certificate of Mindfulness and Mind-Body Medicine program, offering 12 CE nursing credits from the American Holistic Nursing Association. Learn more and register at Certificate for Mindfulness and Mind-Body Medicine.
Embrace the 8 domains of wellness to enrich your practice and improve patient outcomes today!
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Bridging the Gap: Integrating Spirituality into Holistic Nursing Care
Is spirituality and medicine separate? As holistic nurses, we understand that true healing transcends the physical body, delving into the mind, emotions, and spirit.Research has shown that incorporating spirituality into healthcare can help clients make sense of their experiences, fostering a deeper understanding and acceptance of their circumstances.
Is spirituality and medicine separate? As holistic nurses, we understand that true healing transcends the physical body, delving into the mind, emotions, and spirit. Spirituality, often defined as the search for meaning, purpose, and connection, plays a crucial role in a patient’s overall well-being, especially during times of illness.
Research has shown that incorporating spirituality into healthcare can help clients make sense of their experiences, fostering a deeper understanding and acceptance of their circumstances (Hawthorne, 2020). Ignoring this aspect of care can be detrimental, leaving clients feeling isolated or overwhelmed by their illness (Ghorbani, 2021).
So, how can we include spirituality in our integrative care plans? Start by recognizing spirituality as an essential component of holistic health. Assess your clients' spiritual needs just as you would their physical, emotional, or social needs. NANDA International recognizes several nursing diagnoses related to spirituality, including "Spiritual Distress," "Readiness for Enhanced Spiritual Well-Being," and "Risk for Spiritual Distress” (Ernstmeyer, 2021)
To address these diagnoses, consider incorporating practices such as meditation, prayer and visualization into your care plans. Meditation can help clients quiet their minds, fostering a sense of inner peace and clarity. Visualization techniques can guide clients in imagining a future where they have found meaning in their illness, helping them to connect with their inner strength and resilience.
As we continue to advance holistic care, it is vital to equip ourselves with the tools and knowledge to support our clients spiritually. Join our upcoming Mindfulness Program, beginning in September, to deepen your understanding of how to integrate spirituality into your nursing practice. Together, let’s create care plans that truly honor the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.
Sign up today for our Mindfulness Program for Nurses and take the first step toward enriching your nursing practice with the transformative power of spirituality.
References:
Hawthorne DM, Gordon SC. The Invisibility of Spiritual Nursing Care in Clinical Practice. Journal of Holistic Nursing. 2020;38(1):147-155. doi:10.1177/0898010119889704
Ghorbani, M., Mohammadi, E., Aghabozorgi, R., & Ramezani, M. (2021). Spiritual care interventions in nursing: an integrative literature review. Supportive Care in Cancer, 29, 1165-1181.
Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing Fundamentals [Internet]. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2021. Table 18.4, [Common NANDA-I Nursing Diagnoses Related to Spiritual Health[]]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK591821/table/ch18spirituality.T.common_nandai_nursing/