Holistic care in nursing is a philosophy of care that considers the whole person, including their physical, emotional, social, spiritual, cultural, and environmental needs, when delivering care. It is a comprehensive approach to patient care that aims to enhance the overall well-being and quality of life of an individual. Holistic nursing is based on the principle that a patients biological, social, psychological, and spiritual aspects are interconnected. Nurses who practice holistic care foster relationships with their patients to promote healing and wellness.
The American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) defines holistic nursing as "all nursing practice that has healing the whole person as its goal". The AHNA endorses the holistic approach for all nursing practices. Holistic nursing is a specialty that was established by the American Nurses Association (ANA) in 2007. Nurses educated in holistic care are better equipped to improve a patients lifestyle choices and enhance determinants of health, which are the personal, economic, social, and environmental factors that influence health status.
Holistic care in nursing is important because it can improve the quality of care for all patients. Providers and researchers have learned from historical applications of health care and developed a comprehensive model for enhancing the quality of life and health of populations. Holistic care in nursing could increase the adoption of preventative health, improve lifestyle choices among patients, reduce the burden of chronic illnesses on the healthcare system, and create a brighter future for Americans.
In summary, holistic care in nursing is a philosophy of care that considers the whole person when delivering care. It is a comprehensive approach to patient care that aims to enhance the overall well-being and quality of life of an individual. Holistic nursing is a specialty that was established by the American Nurses Association in 2007, and nurses who practice holistic care are better equipped to improve a patients lifestyle choices and enhance determinants of health. Holistic care in nursing is important because it can improve the quality of care for all patients.
