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 holistic nursing as an integrative approach to practice.
Holistic nursing is more than a philosophy of care—it is a distinct nursing specialty grounded in whole-person care. Through a holistic lens, practice integrates mind, body, spirit, emotion, and environment, shaping how nurses assess, connect, and respond within clinical and relational spaces.
This course introduces the foundational philosophy, core principles, and scope of holistic nursing practice. Participants will explore where holistic nurses practice, what they do, and how concepts such as comprehensive assessment, integrative interventions, and relationship-centered care are applied in real-world settings. The role of the nurse as an instrument of healing—through presence, clinical judgment, and reflective awareness—is emphasized throughout.
Learning Objectives:
- Define Holistic Nursing
- Summarize the principles of Holistic Nursing
- Describe the practice of Holistic Nursing
- Identify professional organizations and resources
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
Holistic nursing is more than a conceptual framework—it is a way of being and practicing that influences how nurses assess, interact, and respond within clinical and relational spaces. It supports a broader understanding of health, recognizing the interconnectedness of biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions.
For nurses and health professionals, practicing holistically may:
- Support whole-person assessment and care
- Enhance therapeutic presence and connection
- Strengthen patient-centered communication
- Foster healing environments and collaborative care
At the same time, practicing holistically may present challenges within fast-paced or task-oriented environments. Time constraints, system demands, and competing priorities can make it difficult to consistently apply holistic principles. This course acknowledges both the opportunities and the realities of holistic nursing practice, offering a balanced and practical approach.s. A balanced and realistic approach is explored throughout.
About the Author:
Abigail Hall, MSN, CNRN, HN-BC is a holistic nurse serving as Director of the Oregon Holistic Nurses Association, whose work integrates organizational culture, leadership, holistic health, education, and quality improvement, guided by curiosity and a commitment to patient- and family-centered care.
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.