Introduction
As members of the Holistic Nursing Committee, the main objective is to transform the nursing practice by incorporating holistic principles into care delivery. Holistic nursing acknowledges the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit and fosters a healing environment that addresses the whole person. Therefore, by accepting this holistic approach, we can offer extensive care that addresses the needs of the entire individual. Thus, in this resource handout, we will traverse the philosophical, theoretical and ethical principles that guide holistic nursing approaches. Further, this resource handout will offer strategies to improve communication and caring in our daily interactions as members of the nursing committee with patients.
Holistic Philosophical, Theoretical, and Ethical Principles
Holistic Philosophical principle: interconnectedness. This principle acknowledges that individuals are complex beings comprising interconnected emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions (Doe, 2022). Holistic nursing is based on the philosophical principle of interconnectedness. It mainly focuses on the understanding that each feature impacts the overall well-being of an individual. Therefore, but recognizing and addressing these interconnected dimensions, we can offer holistic care that enhances healing and optimal health.
The theoretical principle; Unitary caring theory. This theory was developed by Jean Watson and acted as a foundational theoretical principle in holistic nursing. According to (Alligood, 2021), the theory centres on the therapeutic connection between the patient and the nurse, acknowledging the transformative power of caring interactions. Moreover, at the basis of the unitary Caring Theory, there is an existing belief that care is critical in nursing and thus has the potential to impact the healing process. However, as stated by Watson, caring is a natural phenomenon that entails therapeutic communication, compassion and authentic presence. Therefore, through acknowledging and practising caring behaviours, nurses can develop a healing environment that supports the innate healing capabilities of patients (Alligood, 2021).
The theory also identifies the significance of integrating complementary therapies and nursing modalities into nursing practice. Such techniques, including music therapy and massage, can help complement traditional interventions and support the patient’s overall well-being. Hence, by adapting the principles of this theory, nurses can develop a healing environment in which patients feel supported, respected and valued in their process toward well-being and health.
Ethical principle: respect for individuality and autonomy.in holistic nursing, autonomy and individuality are some of the ethical principles that are highly respected. The principle acknowledges that every patient has the right to make decisions regarding their care and treatment based on their beliefs, cultural background and values (Gómez-Vírseda et al., 2020). Therefore, as holistic nurses, there is s need to uphold and honour this principle by enhancing a therapeutic partnership that values and respects the particular choices and preferences of the patients. More so, respect for autonomy stresses the necessity of informed consent and shared decision-making. This allows holistic nurses to engage in open and honest communication, giving patients the information they require to develop informed choices relating to their care.
Furthermore, holistic nursing also acknowledges the importance of individuality. Every client is viewed as a special person with specific preferences, experiences and goals. Thus, holistic nurses employ a patient-centred perspective, focusing on understanding the whole person instead of just their symptoms or sicknesses (Park et al., 2021).
Integrative Nutrition
Integrative nutrition can be described as an approach that merges conventional nutrition principles with alternative and complementary therapies to enhance health and well-being (Taylor & Aquino, 2022). It acknowledges the significance of nutrition in supporting flawless body functions and the prevention of illnesses. This approach considers an individual’s unique needs, health goals and preferences, taking into account both the nutritional content of food and its influence on the mind, body and spirit. For some reason, integrative nutrition is the basis for a holistic practice. First, integrative nutrition emphasizes that nutrition is more than just the intake of macronutrients; it acknowledges the interconnectedness of emotions, food, lifestyle, and overall well-being. Thus, holistic nurses understand that nutrition affects physical health and emotional, mental, and spiritual facets of a person’s life (Dossey & Keegan, 2008). This approach also embraces individuality and acknowledges that everyone has unique nutritional needs and preferences. Thus, holistic nurses consider cultural background, age, and personal beliefs in creating nutritional plans. Another reason why integrative nutrition is relevant in holistic nursing is because it emphasizes wellness promotion and preventive healthcare. It directs that nutrition is essential for preventing clinical illnesses, optimizing overall health and supporting the immune system (Engineer et al., 2021). Therefore, holistic nurses educate patients regarding the significance of a balanced diet and mindful eating practices.
One Holistic Caring Strategy
One holistic caring strategy nurses could incorporate into their daily practice is therapeutic touch. This non-evasive energy-based healing approach entails the intentional use of touch to enhance well-being and healing (Risdon, 2019). It is based on the belief that individuals are comprised of energy fields and that imbalances in these fields can lead to illness. Therefore, by employing therapeutic touch, nurses can assist in restoring balance, enhancing relaxation and supporting the body’s natural healing processes.
One Therapeutic Communication Strategy
One therapeutic communication strategy nurses can use in their daily practice is active listening. This valuable communication strategy is attained through extensively engaging with patients, giving them undivided attention and showing empathy. This can be done verbally o non-verbally to acknowledge their concerns, thoughts and feelings; it is a crucial constituent of effective communication and can promote the relationship between the nurse and patient, foster trust as well as facilitate the holistic healing process (Siregar et al., 2021). Moreover, there are some key elements essential in active listening, such as the presence of attentiveness. Nurses must be wholly present and attentive to the patient, maintaining eye contact and focusing on the patient without distractions. Showing empathy is also a crucial element in active listening, where nurses attempt to understand the patient’s perspective, show genuine concern and validate their feelings.
Creating Evidence-Based Integrative, Holistic and Caring Environments
Creating evidence-based integrative, holistic and caring environments in the facility will enhance nursing practice by fostering positive patient outcomes. Nurses can offer extensive care that addresses the patient’s physical, spiritual and emotional needs. This perspective improves patients’ outcomes by supporting the body’s natural healing processes, limiting stress and anxiety levels and enhancing comfort. Moreover, creating an evidence-based integrative, holistic care environment contributes to patient satisfaction by prioritizing the patient-centred care approach. These conform with the patient’s values and preferences, thus, promoting positive patient experiences and enhancing satisfaction levels.
Self-Reflective Practice
The self-reflective practice comprises self-awareness, introspection, and continuous professional development (Patel & Metersky, 2021). Therefore, by self-reflection, nurses acquire insights into their strengths, biases and shortcomings, enabling them to offer improved care. It also improves self-care, inspiring nurses to prioritize their well-being. However, when nurses care for themselves, they are well-furnished to care for others and maintain a higher level of professional practice.
Conclusion
Integrating holistic nursing practices in daily care delivery will revolve our perspective and foster improved patient-centred care. Therefore, by embracing interconnectedness, unitising holistic care strategies, integrating nutrition, developing therapeutic communication developing evidence-based environments and engaging in self-reflective practice, we can develop a healing environment that addresses the whole individual and supports their well-being.
References
Alligood, M. R. (2021). Nursing Theorists and Their Work E-Book. In Google Books. Elsevier Health Sciences. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=usg5EAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA68&dq=he+Unitary+Caring+Theory
Doe, M. J. (2022). Holistic Nursing: An Essence of Nursing Philosophies. Nursing Science Quarterly, 35(4), 498–500. https://doi.org/10.1177/08943184221115127
Dossey, B., & Keegan, L. (2008). Holistic Nursing: A Handbook for Practice. In Google Books. Jones & Bartlett Learning. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=WFHVAt0wx5AC&oi=fnd&pg=PP2&dq=+Integrative+nutrition+embraces+the+principle+of+individuality+and+recognizes+that+each+person+has+unique+nutritional+needs+and+preferences.+Holistic+nurses+take+into+account+factors+such+as+age
Engineer, A., Gualano, R. J., Crocker, R. L., Smith, J. L., Maizes, V., Weil, A., & Sternberg, E. M. (2021). An integrative health framework for well-being in the built environment. Building and Environment, 205, 108253. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2021.108253
Gómez-Vírseda, C., de Maeseneer, Y., & Gastmans, C. (2020). Relational autonomy in end-of-life care ethics: a contextualized approach to real-life complexities. BMC Medical Ethics, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12910-020-00495-1
Park, M., Giap, T., Jang, I., Jeong, M., & Kim, J. (2021). Listening to patients’ voices: Applying the design‐thinking method for teaching person‐centered care to nursing students. Nursing Forum, 57(1). https://doi.org/10.1111/nuf.12641
Patel, K. M., & Metersky, K. (2021). Reflective Practice in Nursing: A Concept Analysis. International Journal of Nursing Knowledge, 33(3), 180–187. https://doi.org/10.1111/2047-3095.12350
Risdon, W. (2019). Complementary therapy improves the patient experience in a group receiving intensive chemotherapy for haematological malignancies: a pilot study. Ir.canterbury.ac.nz. https://doi.org/10.26021/9596
Siregar, I., Rahmadiyah, F., & Siregar, A. F. Q. (2021). Therapeutic Communication Strategies in Nursing Process of Angry, Anxious, and Fearful Schizophrenic Patients. British Journal of Nursing Studies, 1(1), 13–19. https://doi.org/10.32996/bjns.2021.1.1.3
Studies, B. J. of N. (2021). Therapeutic Communication Strategies in Nursing Process of Angry, Anxious, and Fearful Schizophrenic Patients | British Journal of Nursing Studies. Al-Kindipublisher.com. https://al-kindipublisher.com/index.php/bjns/article/view/2623
Taylor, M., & Aquino, J. (2022). Proceedings of UCLA Health -VOLUME. 26. https://proceedings.med.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Aquino-A220511JA-BLM-formatted.pdf
write