Why I love being a holistic nurse!

by Carmen
(Texas)

I have been a nurse for about 29 years, and caring and being in tune to the body, mind AND spirit were not encouraged when I was in nursing school. In fact, if memory serves, it was discouraged. (OH, boy! Can I tell some stories!) Deep down, I always knew that it was important to consider body, mind and spirit, and I vowed to be 'different' and to somehow change the way nurses nurse-even if in small ways simply as an example. It took about 15 years before I stumbled upon the American Holistic Nurse's Association, and I felt like I had just been beamed to the mother ship! I read what other nurses were saying and I wanted to scream- I feel that way, too!
I believe you can be a holistic nurse in any setting and no matter if you know any particular modlities such as imagery, healing touch and so forth. Now, I'm a book junky and I love to learn new things, so I have learned about these and even seeked certification. Those certificates aren't what make me a holistic nurse, though. What makes me a holistic nurse is how I view my role as a nurse, as a woman and as a member of this planet. It is not only how I care for my patients, but also how I care for myself. Believe me, this is a challenge sometimes! I hope this website helps you, too.

I'm looking forward to hearing what others have to say!