Although medical innovations have saved and improved the lives of millions, many are awakening to the realization that our current healthcare system is fundamentally broken. Western medicine’s focus on chronic disease management is proving to be profoundly ineffective, leaving most of the U.S. population sicker than ever. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 60 percent of American adults have a chronic disease, and 40 percent have two or more – making chronic diseases a significant contributor to the nation’s $4.1 trillion annual healthcare cost.
As people become increasingly dissatisfied with the conventional (allopathic) approach, the voices demanding a more holistic, compassionate, and respectful care model are becoming louder. As a result, a monumental shift is occurring in American healthcare right before our eyes. We are witnessing the birth of an empowered patient population, more actively involved in their healthcare decisions, prioritizing their physical and mental health, and preventing disease.
Future Of Nursing: Demand for Holistic Nurses Is on The Rise
The popularity of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been steadily growing in the United States. As a result, more people turn to evidence-based, natural solutions to maintain their health. This transition to a care model founded on holistic healing and integrative medicine drives the demand for knowledgeable holistic nurses and holistic nurse coaches to support integrative physicians and help people live long and healthy lives.
But despite what many believe, holistic nursing is not a new invention. In 2006, the American Nursing Association (ANA) recognized holistic nursing as a distinct specialty with a defined scope of practice. This recognition provided legitimacy to the profession and earned the respect of healthcare professionals worldwide.
Why Pursue a Holistic Nursing Education?
It is hard to imagine a more rewarding career path than becoming a holistic nurse. According to the American Holistic Nurses’ Association (AHNA), holistic nursing is “all nursing practice that has healing the whole person as its goal.” In simple terms, holistic nursing takes a whole person approach instead of focusing on a specific illness or injury. When you become a holistic nurse or holistic nurse coach, you will know how to provide patient care across all dimensions of wellness – physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and environmental.
But to master the principles of holism, holistic nurses and holistic nurse coaches must pursue nursing programs that allow them to develop a thorough understanding of holistic philosophy and practices.
Achieving a higher education and engaging in lifelong learning is paramount to ensure holistic nurses acquire the knowledge needed to lead the change and advance health. They need programs beyond basic and advanced academic education to prepare them for their role, deepening their understanding of the theoretical and philosophical foundations of holistic nursing practices.
Get Your Holistic Nursing Degree at Pacific College
If you are ready to take your nursing career to a new level and pursue a career in holistic nursing, consider a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. Pacific College – the first in the nation to offer a graduate program for nurse coaches – provides a fully online holistic nursing MSN program. The program is of the highest quality and includes two specialty tracks, one of which is nurse coach, the other is nurse educator.
As a graduate of Pacific College, you will be able to use your degree in multiple ways:
- work as a nursing school faculty member
- work as a nursing professional development specialist
- work in various clinical settings, including integrative and holistic practices
In addition, you will also be eligible to sit for the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Center (AHNCC) board certification as a holistic nurse, advanced holistic nurse, or nurse coach.
What Does the Holistic Nursing MSN Program Include?
This cutting-edge, didactic, 40-credit program – credentialed under the umbrella of Pacific College’s prestigious WSCUC accreditation – takes a comprehensive approach to nursing education. By teaching to use evidence-based scientific and holistic concepts, you will acquire a deep understanding of integrative and holistic healing modalities.
Are you interested in becoming a holistic nursing professional?
Visit the links below to explore our holistic nursing programs:
Program Overview
Core Courses (22 credits)
- Advanced Pathophysiology and Holistic Health Assessment
- Advanced Holistic Pharmacology
- Psychoneuroimmunology
- Theories of Learning and Change
- Research, Evidence-based Practice, and Quality Improvement
- Advancing Nursing Leadership with Transformative Practices
- Nurse as Facilitator of Healing II: Modalities
- Nurse as Facilitator of Healing II: Modalities Lab
Track 1 – Nurse Coach (18 credits)
- Role of the Holistic Nurse Coach
- Coaching Techniques with Diverse Populations Across the Lifespan
- Coaching Process and Holistic Nursing Assessment
- Entrepreneurship within the Integrative Care Landscape
- Holistic Nurse Coach Practicum I
- Nurse Coach Practicum II and Capstone
Track 2 – Nurse Educator (18 credits)
- Role of the Holistic Nurse Educator / Professional Development Specialist
- Holistic Teaching and Evaluation Methods for Nursing Education
- Curriculum Design, Implementation, and Assessment
- Educational Technologies and Informatics for Teaching and Professional Development
- Professional Development Specialist Practicum I
- Professional Development Specialist Practicum and Capstone
Summary
A career in holistic nurse coaching is immensely rewarding on a personal and professional level. Armed with the necessary knowledge and coaching skills, you will have the ability to promote healing and wellbeing by integrating all five dimensions of wellness.
As a holistic nurse coach, you can use your nursing expertise and training in wellness coaching to improve overall health and give personalized care. You can work directly with your clients and help them make better choices in their day-to-day life.
If you are interested in learning more about the Holistic Nursing MSN Program at Pacific College, call (619) 574-0843 or fill out our contact form to be contacted by one of our representatives.
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