The American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) defined Holistic Nursing as an 'attitude, a philosophy, and a way of being that applies to both client and practitioner'. This means that holistic nursing is not limited to the way care is provided, but that it is also a lifestyle and mindset that the practitioner or nurse embodies. This embodiment allows nurses to enjoy balance and optimal health within their own lives, while also acting as educators, role-models and advocates for the betterment of their clients' health.

Dossey (2013) expanded on this, stating that integrative care, an essential component of holistic care, is focused in the patient-practitioner relationship as well as the undeniable influence of family community, and other healthcare practitioners, services and interventions. She believed that an integral world-view was instrumental in expanding and deeping our understanding of the healing process.

At TheCIINDE© we believe in the body-mind-spirit-environment connection, the importance of whole-person care, and that holistic care and an integrative approach are fundamental to ensuring optimal health and wellness. Our hope is that you will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for holistic philosophies and practice and the complementary role that exists between Eastern and Western medicine.

Our teachings are based on the premise that whole-care is vital to healing and that care must includes ones' internal and external environment, as well as their biological, psychological, social, spiritual, mental, emotional, and cultural needs. We also believe that those who hold space and act as facilitators of healing must first engage in practices that promote self-healing.

Together, we will explore the attitudes, philosophies, characteristics and theoretical underpinnings of holistic nursing as a specialty practice.

NURSE COACHING IS COLLABORATIVE

Nurse Coaches use a structured--yet, organic--skilled, purposeful, results-oriented and relationship centered interaction with clients for the purpose of promoting achievement of clients goals. The client is respected as the expert in their own care with an innate ability to heal. The Nurse Coach acts a facilitator of healing, providing guidance and resources as needed or desired.

NURSE COACHES FOCUS ON ILLNESS PREVENTION & HEALTH PROMOTION

A professional nurse coach is a registered nurse who integrates coaching skills and competencies into any practice setting with the intention of shifting reactive disease-focused care to one that proactively focuses on facilitating sustained health, wellness, and wellbeing.    

Focus is on the client's strengths, as opposed to trying to 'fix weaknesses'.    
Dossey, et. al. 2013
Healing is not defined as curing or fixing; rather, as 'making whole and achieving balance.

NURSE COACHING IS HOLISTIC

Nurse coaches honour the bio-psycho-social-spiritual-cultural and environmental aspects of health. Using holistic approaches to provide a safe space for individuals to be brave and engage in self-discovery is inherent to Nurse Coaching; thus, making a holistic approach an organic process within Nurse Coaching.

We will explore these concepts and practices in much more detail as we progress through the program.

NURSE CONSULTING IS COLLABORATIVE

Holistic Nurse Consultants help their clients find a solution to a problem or something that has been challenging. Much like Holistic Nurse Coaches, they are working collaboratively with the client, but taking on more of a solution focused role.

NURSE COACHES FOCUS ON HELPING THEIR CLIENTS WITH COME UP WITH SOLUTIONS

Holistic Nurse Consultants are experienced nurses who possess advanced education and training, enabling them to offer specialized services. They bring a wealth of clinical knowledge and expertise to their roles, often serving as valuable resources within healthcare teams, with community organizations and with individual clients.

NURSE CONSULTING SHOULD BE HOLISTIC

A Holistic Nurse Consultant and a General Nurse Consultant differ in their approach, philosophy, and areas of expertise. Holistic Nurse Consultants emphasize a holistic approach to healthcare, focusing on the whole person and integrating complementary therapies, while General Nurse Consultants offer expertise in general nursing care across various specialties without a specific focus on holistic principles. The choice between these roles depends on an individual's training, interests, and career objectives within the nursing field.

We will explore this concept in much more detail as we progress through the program, with a dedicated class in addition to a comprehensive additional Self-Study Module.