Holistic nursing: A comprehensive approach to patient care

With an increasing number of patients recognizing the relationship between their physical health and mental, spiritual, and social health, holistic health care is finding its time in the spotlight.¹ Deeply rooted in the understanding that individual wellness extends beyond the physical, holistic nursing care is gaining prominence for its approach that considers the complex interplay of mind, body, and spirit in the quest for optimal health.

This holistic approach offers a broadened perspective on patient care, one that encompasses physical symptoms while also addressing emotional, spiritual, and social well-being. Within health care, holistic nursing is not just a specialty but a theoretical approach to nursing practice—a philosophical stance that informs how nurses engage with patients, colleagues, and the community.

In this blog, we will explore how holistic nursing is intertwined with principles of integrative health practices and how these are applied in a range of care settings. We’ll discuss the essential qualities of a holistic nurse, from the ability to forge strong patient relationships to the importance of active listening and effective communication. We'll also cover the potential advantages associated with this approach, such as heightened patient satisfaction and the promotion of long-term, preventative health solutions.²

Furthermore, we will distinguish how holistic nursing builds upon traditional nursing methodologies, noting the skills and roles needed to expand holistic medicine within your practice. As holistic care continues to forge pathways within various settings, we'll examine the ways in which nurses implement these comprehensive care practices in hospitals, hospice and palliative care, and beyond into home or community health.

The foundations of holistic nursing

The practice of holistic nursing is intricately woven with a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit and a commitment to patient-centered care. The American Holistic Nurses Association has developed comprehensive standards that are grounded in five core values: Holistic Philosophy and Education, Holistic Ethics, Theories and Research, Holistic Nurse Self-Care, Holistic Communication, Therapeutic Environment and Cultural Competence, and the Holistic Caring Process.^3,4

Holistic nursing emphasizes the critical role of nurses as facilitators in the healing process, recognizing the individual's subjective experiences with health and the importance of nurturing relationships with patients, families, and communities. This integrative philosophy extends to the utilization of complementary and alternative medicine modalities, enhancing traditional nursing practices with techniques that treat not just the physical ailments but also aim to relieve the mind and comfort the soul. By employing biofeedback, therapeutic massage, meditation, humor, and prayer, holistic nurses bring a comprehensive view of healing to their practice.⁴

Holistic nurses also cultivate their own self-care, spirituality, and reflection, promoting an awareness that influences their caring approach towards others. In recognizing the vitality of self-care, the American Holistic Nurses' Certification Corporation (AHNCC) offers certification for nurses whose practice aligns with these specialized holistic standards, underscoring the sincerity and depth of commitment to nurturing the whole person.⁵

By championing these principles, holistic nurses play a pivotal role in patient care, embodying the integration of traditional medical care with alternative medicine and a broader, more inclusive approach to healing. This concerted focus prepares nurses not only for advanced practice but also for becoming instruments of healing in a rapidly changing health care landscape.

The role of a holistic nurse

The role of a holistic nurse goes beyond the traditional boundaries of the nursing profession, as it demands an embodiment of qualities that foster an all-encompassing approach to patient well-being. Essential to holistic nursing care is the development of meaningful relationships with patients. A holistic nurse must attune to the subtleties of a patient's needs through exceptional communication, cemented active listening skills that help the nurse to see the patient beyond their physical symptoms.⁴

A holistic nurse is distinguished by their distinctive qualities, which include:⁴

• Empathetic engagement: Building rapport with patients, demonstrating genuine care for their circumstances.
• Active listening: Fully attending to the patient’s verbal and non-verbal cues to understand their holistic needs.
• Effective communication: Articulate and clear conveying of health information and empathetic responses.
• Comprehensive care approach: Recognition and consideration of the bio-psycho-social-spiritual dimensions of the patient.
• Cultural competence: Capacity to respect and effectively interact with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Reflective practice: Regular self-evaluation to ensure consistency with holistic principles and personal growth.
• Adaptability: Adjusting care plans to meet the dynamic needs of each patient and their environment.

These attributes ensure a holistic nurse not merely fulfills their clinical duties but enriches the healing process through their presence and intention. It is this profound connection with patients, coupled with a commitment to personal wellness and professional growth, that equips holistic registered nurses to administer care that truly resonates with all facets of an individual's life.⁴

What’s the difference between holistic nursing and traditional nursing?

Holistic nursing stands apart from traditional nursing through its foundational philosophies and approach to patient care. While traditional nursing often focuses on treating symptoms and diseases, the holistic nursing practice is characterized by the treatment of the whole person, including their physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.

Here are the main differences between holistic and traditional nursing:

Holistic nursing:

• Treats the whole person, taking into account the mind, body, spirit, emotion, and environment
• Employs a variety of complementary and integrative health practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and biofeedback to address patient care holistically
• Values the nurse’s self-care as an essential aspect of being able to provide care for others
• Holistic nurses coordinate care among multiple providers and support patients in navigating the complexities of healthcare and healing professions

Traditional nursing:

• Typically centers on diagnosing and treating individual diseases or physiological conditions
• Often characterized by tasks and activities related specifically to clinical signs and medical interventions
• Has historically become more technology-driven, with a focus on efficiency and specialized care throughout the 20th century

Both holistic and traditional nursing fulfill vital roles in healthcare. However, holistic nursing extends the scope of care by considering the patient’s entire being and using alternative therapies that promote overall wellness and prevention, not just the treatment of illness. Certification in holistic nursing through organizations like the AHNCC endorses nurses whose practice has advanced to meet these specialty standards, adding a formal credential to their expertise.⁴

Overcoming barriers to comprehensive care

Even with the recognized value of holistic approaches to health care, nurses often face challenges in fully implementing comprehensive holistic care. These challenges can derive from a range of factors, including logistical constraints within the healthcare system, varying levels of acceptance of holistic healthcare methods, and the need for ongoing education and resources to support holistic practices.

To advance comprehensive and holistic care in nursing, nurses can consider several strategies:

• Educational advancement: Pursuing additional qualifications, such as earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), can equip nurses with the knowledge and skills needed for holistic practices.
• Advocacy for supportive policies: Nurses can advocate for healthcare policies that recognize and support the incorporation of holistic care into standard practice.
• Collaboration and networking: Building relationships with other healthcare professionals who embrace holistic care can foster an environment conducive to shared learning and practice.

Despite these barriers, many holistic nurses continue to strive toward integrating a whole-person approach to care, offering treatment modalities that align with the principles of holistic nursing as established by the AHNA. These principles honor the subjective experience of health and value the nurse's interconnectedness with self, others, nature, and a greater whole, thus enhancing the healing process for all individuals and the global community.³

Ultimately, by addressing these barriers and leveraging their unique knowledge and skills, holistic nurses contribute significantly to the health and well-being of their patients, promoting an environment that fosters healing and recognizes the sacred, finite nature of being.

Integrate holistic care into your nursing practice with an online RN-BSN

Holistic nursing is not merely a set of skills or actions; it is a mindset, an orientation to care that permeates every interaction between nurse and patient. This discipline melds traditional medical and nursing knowledge, with a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of body, mind, spirit, and environment, offering a compassionate, comprehensive approach that can transform patient outcomes and the practice of nursing itself.³

If you're interested in integrating holistic nursing theory into your work, consider the Kramer School of Nursing at Oklahoma City University (OCU). OCU's online RN-BSN program offers rigorous curriculum and insightful mentorship to equip you with the knowledge and skills vital for the future of health care, where the whole person is valued and nurtured.

Aspiring nurses dedicated to making a difference by treating the "whole person," will find a community that recognizes and honors the full spectrum of human wellness. Schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor to learn more about applying to the online RN-BSN.