Level: Introductory | 1.0 CE Contact Hour
Available as an OHNA member benefit.
A 1-hour continuing education course for nurses and health professionals exploring gratitude as a holistic practice.
Practicing gratitude offers more than a momentary sense of appreciation—it can meaningfully support overall health and well-being. Through a holistic lens, gratitude influences emotional regulation, physical health, and social connection.
This course explores both the science and practice of gratitude, offering practical, evidence-informed strategies that can be integrated into personal and professional settings. Participants will examine how gratitude supports wellness while also recognizing the complexities and challenges that may arise when cultivating this practice.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the neuroscientific evidence that connects gratitude practice to wellness.
- Explain how gratitude practices improve physical and mental health outcomes.
- Identify common activities often affiliated with a gratitude practice
- Recognize and normalize the challenges with cultivating gratitude.
Intended Audience:
Nurses across all levels of practice, along with other health professionals and holistic and integrative practitioners interested in whole-person, integrative care that includes mind, body, spirit, emotion, and environment.
Why This Matters in Practice
Gratitude is more than a reflective exercise—it is a practice that can be intentionally integrated into clinical care, professional interactions, and personal well-being. Emerging research suggests that gratitude may support emotional regulation, enhance resilience, and strengthen interpersonal connection.
For nurses and health professionals, cultivating gratitude may:
- Support stress management and resilience
- Enhance therapeutic presence and connection
- Improve patient interactions
- Foster a more collaborative and supportive care environment
At the same time, this course acknowledges that gratitude is not always easy to access. Experiences of stress, loss, or burnout may make this practice feel challenging at times. A balanced and realistic approach is explored throughout.
About the Author:
Emily Bennett, MN, RN, NC-BC is a master’s-prepared nurse in population health practicing in home and community care. She works as a Performance Improvement Manager and is a board-certified integrative nurse coach who integrates holistic modalities and lifestyle medicine into her practice.
Course developed with editorial support by Carol Thamert, FNP, NC-BC, CH
Registration
- This course is offered as an OHNA member benefit at no additional cost. Log in to your account for access.
- Course access for non-members may be available, in the future, for a fee, depending on the offering.
- Become a member to access courses at no cost.