How to become a holistic nurse: 8 essential tips to know

Nurses are the foundation of health care, identifying and protecting patient needs and providing comfort and care.¹ Holistic nurses practice these same philosophies but consider all health factors and many treatments and modalities.²

Holistic nursing is a rewarding and highly specialized profession requiring extensive education and study.² Whether you’re researching potential specialties within nursing or actively exploring how to get into holistic health, keep reading to learn what a holistic nurse does, the education process, and tips for success.

Understanding the role of a holistic nurse

Holistic nursing is a nursing specialty that focuses on healing the whole person. Considered the founder of holistic nursing, Florence Nightingale advocated for focus on the principles of holism: unity, wellness and the interrelationship of human beings and their environment.² Holistic nurses consider the effect of physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, cultural, and social factors on health. From there, they use many modalities to nurture peace, healing, and wholeness.²

Theories and responsibilities

A holistic registered nurse has the same responsibilities as other registered nurses in supporting and coordinating patient care. These include:³

• Performing physical exams 
• Discussing symptoms and medical history
• Dispensing medications
• Organizing care with other providers
• Creating treatment plans
• Educating patients on disease prevention

Tasks depend on the type of care and the work environment. However, a holistic nurse takes a unique approach to these duties, considering the whole patient and a wide selection of traditional and complementary treatments and modalities. These healing practices may include:⁴

• Medications
• Natural products
• Meditation
• Massage 
• Deep breathing
• Guided imagery 

Where do holistic nurses work?

Holistic nurses can work in any health care setting, and the location may depend on the specialty you choose, your qualifications, and your license. These settings include:²

• Hospitals
• Acute care
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Doctor’s offices
• Universities
• Private nursing practices

Career benefits

One of the benefits of holistic nursing care is the impact you have on patients. With a holistic approach, nurses look for deeper causes of symptoms or disease and aim to help patients address the many aspects of health and well-being.²

Holistic nursing uses many tools and techniques, allowing you to teach patients positive coping skills that help them thrive in the face of challenging conditions. While demanding, the modern nursing profession is rewarding and provides a sense of fulfillment as you support and enhance care and work with many patients and professionals.

How long does it take to become a holistic nurse?

The holistic nurse licensing and certification process takes five to seven years, depending on your level of education. The first step is to earn a nursing degree.

Nursing degree

Learning how to become a holistic nurse requires an education in the principles, theories, and clinical practices of nursing. The first steps involve becoming a registered nurse (RN) and earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). You can do this in either order, though many people choose to become a RN first. Whichever sequence you choose, you can take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) after becoming an RN, and submit your license to your state governing board.

If you’re already an RN without a bachelor’s degree and want to pursue a career as a holistic nurse, the Oklahoma City University RN-BSN program online can be an ideal next step in your advancement.

Holistic nurse certification

Becoming a holistic nurse also involves certification and additional clinical hours. In addition to your nursing degree, you’ll need the following time in holistic nursing to achieve certification:⁵

• 2,000 clinical hours, or 
• One year of full-time holistic nursing practice, and 
• 48 hours of continuing education 

Becoming a holistic nurse practitioner is similar but involves an additional educational step. You’ll need to earn a graduate degree, such as a master’s degree in nursing, and apply for your advanced practice certification.⁵

Eight essential tips for holistic nursing success

Education and clinical practice are key to a successful holistic nursing career, but additional personal and professional strategies help advance your skills and experience.

1. Cultivate presence and mindfulness

A holistic approach encourages a strong relationship with patients and requires respect, honor, and awareness.² Strive to be present with your patients, listen to understand, and avoid judgment.

Be mindful of unique perspectives, and infuse cultural awareness, inclusion, diversity, and gentleness into your interactions. With these core values and this presence, you show compassion and kindness to your patients, creating a sense of belonging and validation.

2. Master complementary therapies

Integrative and complementary therapies are a central part of holistic nursing. Continuing education courses help you learn a variety of tools. However, most nurses specialize in one or more modalities, which provide a strong foundation to support patients as necessary.⁴

Complementary therapies can be used alongside, rather than instead of, conventional medical regimens. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, “Complementary approaches can be classified by their primary therapeutic input (how the therapy is taken in or delivered), which may be:

• Nutritional (e.g., special diets, dietary supplements, herbs, and probiotics)
• Psychological (e.g., mindfulness)
• Physical (e.g., massage, spinal manipulation)
• Combinations such as psychological and physical (e.g., yoga, tai chi, acupuncture, dance or art therapies) or psychological and nutritional (e.g., mindful eating)”⁶

3. Pursue advanced degrees and certifications

Advancing your education with graduate degrees and additional certifications in complementary practices opens up career opportunities. Through higher education, such as a master’s program, you develop the specialized knowledge and skills to become a leader, increase earning potential, and influence policy and high-level decisions that affect your patients.

4. Embrace evidence-based practices

You can find many holistic practices, but not all provide results or have beneficial outcomes. Some, such as combining natural products with medications, may even cause adverse side effects. Use therapies, products, and techniques supported by quality evidence to increase patient safety.

5. Network with other holistic health professionals

Part of holistic practice is understanding the impact of community and environment, including your own experience, on individuals. Building relationships with peers helps you create a collaborative community, discover opportunities, find support, and increase your visibility within your profession.

6. Prioritize personal wellness

A central principle in holistic care is the concept of self-care. To be effective, prioritize caring for yourself so you can care for others.² Create a wellness routine that promotes work-life balance and incorporates your whole person, from physical to emotional to spiritual health.

7. Join holistic nursing organizations

A professional organization, such as the American Holistic Nurses Association, provides career and specialty resources to help you expand your skills and develop your professional identity. You’ll also have access to continuing education, community, events, and job postings.

8. Gain diverse clinical experience

Take advantage of opportunities to treat patients in different clinical settings. These experiences teach you unique skills and provide insight into conditions and patient concerns you may not encounter otherwise. With this strategy, you’ll gain a broader understanding of health care, clinical practices, and patient care that further your career.

Take a holistic approach: Fit your nursing education into your life.

The online RN-BSN program at Oklahoma City University provides the support you need to succeed. Choose from three fully online nursing programs, with part-time and full-time options, and create a unified whole of life, work, and school.

The online RN-BSN program curriculum delves into ethical and legal nursing care, critical thinking for solving problems and making effective clinical judgments, promoting holistic health for patients of all ages and cultures, and so much more. The flexible online program will provide you with a strong set of skills to help you excel in your career. Further, you’ll have access to robust online resources and personalized support from expert faculty.

Discover how this program can help establish a strong foundation for your nursing practice and help you reach your professional goals. Schedule an appointment with an admissions outreach advisor today.