Holistic Nurse Practitioner 101: Education, Salary, and More
Have you ever thought that there's more to patient care than just identifying a disease and prescribing medications for it? If you're an aspiring nurse or even a working one, taking on the holistic approach could transform your nursing!
Holistic nursing can be a perfect fit for those wanting to help treat patients inside and out. Read on to learn more about this approach to nursing This article answers many questions you may have, including " Where do holistic nurses work?", " What do they do?" and "How to become one?".
What Is a Holistic Nurse Practitioner?
Holistic nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who use a holistic approach when treating patients. According to the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA), these nurses consider the patient as a whole. When treating a patient, holistic nurses consider other aspects in addition to the physical one. This specific approach and philosophy, established by Florence Nightingale, considered the founder of modern nursing, is based upon creating a balance between emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical patient health needs. It argues that the environmental factor is closely linked to the physical part of a person; therefore, it can affect one's health.
Since 2006, the American Nurses Association (ANA) has recognized holistic nursing as a specialty practice. This approach can be helpful in all settings; thus, any nurse in any environment can practice holistic nursing.
Where do holistic nurses work?
As mentioned before, holistic nursing is used in any setting. Therefore, a holistic nurse practitioner can be found in any environment where other nurses can work, including hospitals, private practices, birthing centers, outpatient clinics, and educational institutions.
Data received from the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) members shows that most holistic nurses work in hospitals, followed by private practices and academia/education/research.
In addition, they can also work in other settings such as a chiropractor’s office, physical therapy facilities, naturopathic practices, gyms, and sports medicine clinics.
What do they do?
Holistic nurse practitioners can work independently or together with other health care professionals or individuals. In their day to day, they perform the usual registered nurse duties such as assessing patients, ordering or performing medical tests, diagnosing patients, managing treatments, educating patients, .etc.
However, holistic nurses incorporate specific techniques and therapies to treat their patients. They focus on the body's natural healing abilities and disease prevention.
Holistic approach treatments combine Eastern and Western medicine. The most common ones include:
Massage,
Exercise,
Reflexology,
Yoga,
Tai chi,
Acupressure,
Guided imagery,
Breathing and relaxation techniques,
Therapeutic touch,
Aromatherapy,
Cognitive therapy,
Nutritional counseling,
Lifestyle counseling,
Stress management,
Meditation.
Holistic Nurse Practitioner: Education and Training
Like all registered nurses, as a holistic nurse, you have to start by obtaining a degree in nursing and then get licensed. You can choose between an associate's or a bachelor's degree, although employers generally favor the latter.
Interested in pursuing an RN degree in California?
Fill out the form and get all the detailed information you need regarding your chosen program.
Next, you need to sit for and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) exam and get your license.
After completing these steps and becoming a registered nurse, you can apply for certification in holistic nursing through the American Holistic Nurses Certification Corporation (AHNCC). Eligibility requirements vary depending on the certificate you want to earn.
The basic level includes the HN-BC (Holistic Nurse Board Certified) credential and requires you to be a graduate of a nationally-accredited nursing program. This level contains the credentials of AHN-BC (Advanced Holistic Nurse Board Certified) and APHN-BC (Advanced Practice Holistic Nurse Board Certified). On the other hand, board certification at the advanced practice level requires graduate degrees.
Furthermore, some holistic nurses may choose to earn additional certification in specific treatment techniques. These typically have separate training programs and certification requirements.
Holistic Nurse Practitioner: Salary and Career Outlook
The practice location, skill level, and experience play a major role in holistic nurse earnings. A holistic nurse practitioner's salary ranges from $81,500 to $117,000, with an average of $99,621 per year across the United States. Professionals in the field make around $139,000 annually.
However, you can earn more or less than the national average salary depending on the location. For example, Lakes, AK, San Francisco, CA, and Santa Clara, CA are among the highest paying cities for holistic nursing, offering annual median salaries of $116,000.
In addition to the satisfying salary, holistic nurses also benefit from a promising job outlook. As the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide separate holistic nurse data, since holistic nurses are registered nurses, they can expect an employment growth of 9 percent during this decade.
Wrapping Up: Why Become a Holistic Nurse?
If you're wondering why someone would become a holistic nurse, this position has many advantages. In addition to working in any setting and the high salaries and employment opportunities associated with it, a holistic nurse is unique in that it helps people beyond the physical level.
If you're interested in providing care and comfort to patients and helping them recover physically and psychologically from various illnesses or injuries, then taking on the holistic approach is something you should consider.