Holistic nursing embraces all nursing which has as its goal the enhancement of healing the whole person from birth to death. Holistic nursing recognizes that there are two views regarding holism: that holism involves identifying the interrelationships of the bio-psycho-social-spiritual dimensions of the person, recognizing that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts; and that holism involves understanding the individual as a unitary whole within his environment. Holistic nursing believes that the goals of nursing can be achieved within either framework.

The holistic nurse is an instrument of healing and a facilitator in the healing process. Holistic nurses honor the individual’s subjective experience about health, health beliefs, and values. To become therapeutic partners with individuals, families, and communities, holistic nursing practice draws on nursing knowledge, theories, research, expertise, intuition, and creativity. Holistic nursing practice encourages peer review of professional practice in various clinical settings and integrates knowledge of current professional standards, laws, and regulations governing nursing practice.

Practicing holistic nursing requires nurses to integrate self-care, self-responsibility, spirituality, and reflection in their lives. This may lead the nurse to greater awareness of the interconnectedness with self, others, nature, and Spirit/God/Life-Force/Absolute/Transcendent. This awareness may further enhance the nurses’ understanding of all individuals and their relationships to the human and global community, and permits nurses to use this awareness to facilitate the healing process.

» More about Holistic Nursing

» About Holistic Nurse Certification

We Believe:

1. Nursing is an art/science with the primary purpose to nurture others towards the wholeness inherent within themselves.
2. Nurses have a unique opportunity to provide services that facilitate wholeness.
3. Holistic Nurses demonstrate expertise in a variety of roles and activities.
4. Holistic nursing assists people to assume personal responsibility for self-care.
5. Clients, families, and communities have the right to health care that honors the body, mind, and the spiritual.
6. Disease and distress are viewed as an opportunity for increased awareness of the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit.
7. Holistic modalities and therapies provide support and options in healing.
8. The OHNA serves as a foundation and dynamic force for holistic nursing practices.

Intentions

The intentions of the Oregon Holistic Nurses Association are to:

1. Provide vision, direction and leadership for the advancement of holistic nursing practice in Oregon.
2. Empower holistic nursing practice through education, research and standards.
3. Honor individual excellence in the advancement of holistic nursing practice.
4. Maintain financial stability and growth of the OHNA.
5. Establish and maintain communications between the traditional medical practitioners and universal complementary and alternative healing practices.
6. Encourage the efforts of each nurse member to reach a state of harmony among body, mind, emotions and spirit.
7. Create opportunities to facilitate networking among OHNA members and the public.
8. Promote and support educational programs to create public awareness of holistic nursing.
9. Educate nurses, allied health practitioners, and the general public on health-related issues.

1. Holistic Philosophy and Education
2. Holistic Ethics, Theories, and Research
3. Holistic Nurses Self-Care
4. Holistic Communication, Therapeutic Environment, and Cultural Diversity
5. Holistic Caring Process