OVERVIEW
What is Holistic Nursing?
Holistic nursing is a medical profession where the nurses are dedicated to offering whole person care to patients in need. Rather than treating a specific issue, holistic nurses look at the patient from a different perspective and examine their lifestyle for hints on how to improve their overall health and wellness. Whole person nursing practice and integrative focus into other areas are key in holistic nursing.
Nurses with holistic processes adhere to scientific principles and the modern standards of care but often draw from a combination of Eastern and Western medicine to address health of the body, mind, and spirit. By encouraging self-care, holistic nurses empower their patients to find new ways to maintain their health and foster a stronger connection to their bodies through a variety of holistic wellness-based practices.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Holistic Nurse Do?
Holistic nursing involves taking on many of the same basic duties and responsibilities of an RN, but the manner that holistic nurses treat their patients and provide care may differ. For example, a typical nurse may diagnose a patient with an issue and prescribe something to alleviate what may be ailing them. By comparison, in holistic nursing the nurses will address issues that a patient may be dealing with and explore their overall wellness in relation to both the issue and who they are as a person.
For a nurse in a holistic setting a health issue isn’t just about the issue—it’s about the way people live their lives and take care of themselves. So when they work with their patients, they’ll address a health issue by looking at the issue itself and also addressing the overall lifestyle that may be causing or exacerbating that issue. They may prescribe medicine if needed, but they may also make other recommendations—such as dietary changes, stress relief exercises, and more—to aid in healing and possibly prevent recurrence.
Some of the common holistic nursing techniques and therapies holistic nursing practices may use include:
- Stress management techniques
- Breathing exercises
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Hypnotherapy
- Therapeutic massage
- Cranio sacral therapy
- Wellness coaching
- Network spinal analysis
- Dietary coaching
- Hydrotherapy
- Reflexology
- Herbal therapy
- Exercise programs
- Biofeedback
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How to Become a Holistic Nurse?
In holistic nursing, nurses will need to complete a diploma program or a degree program for a BSN or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Those who are already working RNs can get their BSN through a registered school that offers online degree programs. Once a BSN or ADN is obtained, holistic nurses will also need to pass their state’s NCLEX-RN exam and become a registered nurse before they’re able to work. And while a master’s program isn’t typically required, getting a master’s degree often leads to higher-paying positions.
Certifications
Holistic nurses who have obtained their RN license can then apply for certification from the American Holistic Nurses Certification Corporation (AHNCC). While not necessarily mandatory, American Holistic Nurses Certifications can help holistic nurses stand out in a crowded employment space. Before applying for certification, they will be required to take a quantitative exam and qualitative assessment and show their continuing education in holistic nursing.
Some of the certifications a holistic nurse can obtain from the AHNCC include an Advanced Practice Holistic Nurse Board Certification (APHN-BC), a Holistic Nurse Baccalaureate Board Certification (HNB-BC), and a standard Holistic Nurse Certification (HN-BC).
Continuing Education
Because the healthcare industry is constantly changing and patient care needs are always evolving, it’s important for holistic nurses to continue their education throughout their careers. Holistic nurses will be expected to complete a certain number of CEU hours to renew their RN licenses. Check with a state’s board of nursing on specific requirements before license renewal comes up.
Holistic nurses may also want to get certified in techniques or therapies that are complementary to their work. Some of the therapies they can choose to explore include:
- Massage therapy
- Acupuncture
- Hypnotherapy
- Hydrotherapy
- Dietary coaching
Each type of holistic therapy requires its own separate training and may require their own certifications—check with state regulations before enrolling. Holistic nurses with a BSN or ADN may want to explore getting a master’s degree so they can open themselves up to more lucrative job offers. There's also the option to complete a post-master's certificate in nursing leadership & management after earning a master's degree.
Every state has its own requirements relating to continued education for holistic nurses. To get the most up-to-date information on holistic educational requirements, contact the nearest board of nursing to ensure continued education requirements are being met.
Best Degrees for a Holistic Nurse
Health & Nursing
Nursing (RN-to-BSN Online) – B.S.
An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking the added...
An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking the added theoretical depth, employability, and respect that a bachelor's degree brings:
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 20 months.
- Tuition: $4,685 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 23 total courses in this program.
- Transfers: Students can transfer up to 90 credits.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Healthcare Policy and Economics
- Information Technology in Nursing Practice
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Applied Healthcare Statistics
If you don't currently have an RN and don't qualify for your nursing prelicensure program, consider getting our Bachelor's in Health and Human Services instead. This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry in a unique way.
Health & Nursing
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S. Nursing
This program for BSNs who have an active, unencumbered RN license prepares...
This program for BSNs who have an active, unencumbered RN license prepares you to become a board-certified Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
- Locations: Due to the clinical requirements of this degree program, the PMHNP program at WGU is currently NOT open to students who have a permanent residence in the following states: Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin.
- Time: It takes 2.5 years to complete the coursework and clinical components of this degree program.
- Tuition and fees: $6,625 per six-month term.
- Courses: 17 total courses in this program.
This program is for current RNs who have earned their BSN and are ready to move forward in their career. This MSN program prepares students to become licensed as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in select states.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Assessment and Diagnostics
- Behavioral health
- Advanced Pharmacology
Students must have a permanent and active license from a state that is not listed above, must complete the internships in that state, and intend to obtain initial APRN licensure in that state. See more state-specific information related to nursing licensure. Compact licenses must be endorsed by your state of residence. More about compact licenses.
Health & Nursing
Nursing Leadership and Management – Post-Master's Certificate
A certificate for registered nurses with a master's degree in nursing who...
A certificate for registered nurses with a master's degree in nursing who are ready for greater responsibility in a leadership and management role.
- Time: Students typically finish this program in 12 months.
- Tuition: $4,795 per 6-month term. The cost to sit for the NAHQ Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) exam is included in tuition.
- Courses: 8 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Strategic Planning
- Resource Management
- Business Case Analysis
- Evaluating Healthcare Improvements
Health & Nursing
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Post-Master's Certificate
This program is for current RNs who already have earned an MSN and are...
This program is for current RNs who already have earned an MSN and are wanting to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through a post-master's certificate program.
- Locations: Due to the clinical requirements of this degree program, the PMHNP post-master's certificate program at WGU is currently NOT open to students who have a permanent residence in the following states: Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin.
- Time: This program can be finished within 1.5 years, depending on transfer credit and how quickly you move through core coursework. Please note the clinical components of this program are set.
- Tuition and fees: $6,625 per six-month term.
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program.
This program is for current RNs who have earned their MSN but are wanting to add a specilization to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. This post-master's certificate program is only available in select states.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Assessment and Diagnostics
- Behavioral health
- Advanced Pharmacology
Students must have a permanent and active license from a state that is not listed above, must complete the internships in that state, and intend to obtain initial APRN licensure in that state. See more state-specific information related to nursing licensure. Compact licenses must be endorsed by your state of residence. More about compact licenses.
Health & Nursing
Nursing (Prelicensure) – B.S.
A one-of-a-kind nursing program that prepares you to be an RN and a...
A one-of-a-kind nursing program that prepares you to be an RN and a baccalaureate-prepared nurse:
- Locations: Due to in-person clinical requirements, students must be full time residents of FL, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, NV, NM, NC, OH, OK, SC, TN, TX, UT to enroll in this program. The coursework in this program is offered online, but there are in-person requirements.
- Tuition: $6,430 per 6-month term for the first 4 terms of pre-nursing coursework and $8,755 per 6-month term for the remaining 4 terms of clinical nursing coursework.
- Time: This program has a set pace and an expected completion time of 4 years. Certain coursework may be accelerated to finish faster.
- WGU offers the prelicensure program in areas where we have partnerships with healthcare employers to provide practice sites and clinical coaches to help teach you and inspire you on your path to becoming a nurse.
- If you don't live in one of our prelicensure states or don't qualify to apply, consider getting our Bachelor's in Health and Human Services instead. This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry, while also working directly with patients who need help.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Community Health
- Women's and Children's Nursing
- Pathology
- Physiology
- Research
Health & Nursing
Nursing – Leadership & Management (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S.
For registered nurses with a bachelor's degree who are ready for...
For registered nurses with a bachelor's degree who are ready for additional career opportunities.
- Time: 61% of grads finish within 23 months
- Tuition: $4,795 per 6-month term
- Courses: 15 total courses in this program
This program is ideal for current RNs who have a BSN and are ready for the next step in their education.
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:
- Quality Outcomes in a Culture of Value-Based Nursing Care
- Nursing Leadership and Management
- Advanced Pathopharmacological Foundations
- Informatics for Transforming Nursing Care
Compare degrees
This program is not the only degree WGU offers designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. Compare our health leadership degrees.
Health & Nursing
Nursing – Leadership & Management (RN-to-MSN) – M.S.
This program for RNs includes a BSN component and is a substantial leap...
This program for RNs includes a BSN component and is a substantial leap toward becoming a nurse leader.
- Time: 62% of RN-to-MSN grads finish within 37 months.
- Tuition: $4,685 per 6-month term during undergraduate portion and $4,795 per 6-month term during graduate portion.
- Courses: 32 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:
- Quality Outcomes in a Culture of Value-Based Nursing Care
- Nursing Leadership and Management
- Advanced Pathopharmacological Foundations
- Informatics for Transforming Nursing Care
If you're driven to lead, this online nursing degree will provide you everything needed to make that career a reality. This program is ideal for current RNs who are interested in earning both their BSn and MSN in an accelerated program.
Compare degrees
This program is not the only degree WGU offers designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. Compare our health leadership degrees.
How Much Does a Holistic Nurse Make?
$91,930
According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a holistic RN is $91,930 per year, while the average annual salary for a holistic nurse practitioner is $131,543.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
6%
The BLS also predicts the demand for RNs, which includes ER nurses, is expected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. It’s expected this growth will be spurred on by the drive for preventative care, which is where holistic nurses can gain an advantage.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Holistic Nurse Need?
Because holistic nurses are more focused on a long-term, whole-body outlook on health, their approach to care is less about reaction and more about empathy. Holistic practitioners develop a deeper connection with patients and taking more time to help them achieve their health-related goals. As a result, holistic nurses can act more like a partner to patients who are looking to make lifestyle changes. Some of the important characteristics of a holistic nurse include:
- The ability to be empathetic to a patient’s needs
- Listening and communication skills
- Seeing the patient as a whole being
- Approaching care on the level of body, mind and spirit
- Integrity
- Self-responsibility
- Attention to detail
- A willingness to explore a variety of care opportunities
- The ability to look at care from an individual standpoint, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach
- Mindfulness and presence in patient dealings
- A willingness and knowledge that allows for blending techniques to get the best outcome
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- The capability to connect with other health care professionals
- Compassion and understanding
Holistic nursing can be a rewarding and lucrative career choice for those who wish to take patient care to the next level through self-care practices, integrative therapy, and a variety of healing modalities. Take the first step today by signing up for an online degree program to earn your BSN.
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No need to wait for spring or fall semester. It's back-to-school time at WGU year-round. Get started by talking to an Enrollment Counselor today, and you'll be on your way to realizing your dream of a bachelor's or master's degree—sooner than you might think!
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