American Holistic NursesAssociation (AHNA) Standardsof Holistic NursingPractice (Revised 2003)

AHNA HOLISTIC NURSING DESCRIPTIONHolistic nursing embraces all nursing which has enhancement of healing the whole person from birth to death as its goal. 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 in mutual process with the environment. Holistic nursing responds to both views, believing 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 individuals 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 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.

CORE VALUE 1: HOLISTICPHILOSOPHY, THEORIES,AND ETHICSHolistic nursing practice is based on thephilosophy and theory of holism and thefoundation of ethical practice.1.1 Holistic PhilosophyHolistic nurses develop and expand theirconceptual framework and overall philosophyin the art and science of holistic nursingto model, practice, teach, and conductresearch in the most effective mannerpossible.Standards of PracticeHolistic nurses:1.1.1 recognize the persons capacity forself-healing and the importance ofsupporting the natural developmentand unfolding of that capacity.1.1.2 support, share, and recognizeexpertise and competency in holisticnursing practice that is used inmany diverse clinical and communitysettings.1.1.3 participate in person-centered careby being a partner, coach, and mentorwho actively listens and supportsothers in reaching personal goals.1.1.4 focus on strategies to bring harmony,unity, and healing to thenursing profession.1.1.5 communicate with traditionalhealth care practitioners aboutappropriate referrals to other holisticpractitioners when needed.1.1.6 interact with professional organizationsin a leadership or membershipcapacity at local, state,national, and international levels tofurther expand the knowledge andpractice of holistic nursing andawareness of holistic health issues.1.2 Holistic TheoriesNursing theories that are holistic, andother relevant theories, provide the frameworkfor all aspects of holistic nursingpractice and leadership.Standards of PracticeHolistic nurses:1.2.1 strive to use nursing theories todevelop holistic nursing practiceand transformational leadership.1.2.2 interpret, use, and document informationrelevant to a persons careaccording to a theoretical framework.1.3 Holistic EthicsHolistic nurses hold to a professional ethicof caring and healing that seeks to preservewholeness and dignity of them them selvesand all persons/families/communitiesin all practice settings.Standards of PracticeHolistic nurses:1.3.1 identify the ethics of caring and itscontribution to unity of self, others,nature, and God/Life Force/Absolute/Transcendent as central to holisticnursing practice.1.3.2 integrate the standards of holisticnursing practice with applicablestate laws and regulations governingnursing practice.1.3.3 engage in activities that respect, nurture,and enhance the integral relationshipwith the earth, and advocatefor the well-being of the global communityseconomy, education, andsocial justice.1.3.4 advocate for the rights of patients tohave educated choices in their planof care.1.3.5 participate in peer evaluation toensure knowledge and competencyin holistic nursing practice.1.3.6 protect the personal privacy andconfidentiality of individuals, especiallywith health care agenciesand managed care organizations.CORE VALUE 2: HOLISTICEDUCATION AND RESEARCHHolistic nursing practice is guided by,and developed through, holistic educationand research.2.1 Holistic EducationHolistic nurses acquire and maintain currentknowledge and competency in holisticnursing practice.Standards of PracticeHolistic nurses:2.1.1 participate in activities of continuingeducation and related fields thathave relevance to holistic nursingpractice.2.1.2 identify areas of knowledge fromnursing and various fields such asbiomedical, epidemiology, behavioralmedicine, cultural and socialtheories.2.1.3 continually develop and standardizeholistic nursing guidelines, protocolsand practice to promote competencyin holistic nursing practice andassure quality of care to individuals.2.1.4 use the results of quality care activitiesto initiate change in holisticnursing practice.2.1.5 may seek certification in holisticnursing as one means of advancingthe philosophy and practice ofholistic nursing.2.2 Holistic Nursing and RelatedResearchHolistic nurses provide care and guidanceto persons through nursing interventionsand holistic therapies consistent withresearch findings and other sound evidence.Standards of PracticeHolistic nurses:2.2.1 use available research and evidencefrom different explanatorymodels to mutually create a plan ofcare with a person.2.2.2 use expert clinical judgment toselect appropriate interventions.2.2.3 discuss holistic application to clinicalsituations where rigorousresearch has not been done.2.2.4 create an environment conducive tosystematic inquiry into healing andhealth issues by engaging in research or supporting and utilizingthe research of others.2.2.5 disseminate research findings atmeetings and through publicationsto further develop the foundationand practice of holistic nursing.2.2.6 provide consultation services onholistic nursing interventions topersons and communities basedon research.