Running Head: HOLISTIC NURSING PRACTICE 1

Holistic Nursing Practice

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Introduction

In general terms, holistic indicates that a system and its properties are analyzed as a

whole, in a global and integrated way, since from this point of view its operation can only be

understood in this way and not only as of the simple sum of its parts. Holistic is usually applied

to terms such as approach, thoughts, paradigm, approach, concept or program to mean that an

integral and complete vision is used in the analysis of reality. The term holistic appears in

various disciplines such as philosophy, biology, psychology or education. Some words and terms

that are sometimes used with a similar meaning can be 'systemic,' 'global' and 'as a whole.' The

concept of holistic nursing is the approach of providing patient care in a comprehensive manner

(Drugay, 1992).

It is considered that holistic nursing is a form of alternative patient care therapy applied

to traditional healthcare services. It is based on the conception of the human being as a whole

and not only the sum of its parts. In this sense, holistic nursing indicates that for correct

therapeutic treatment, the environment and the different aspects that make up the person must be

taken into account. It includes concepts such as 'vital energy' and 'balance' among other physical

and psychological aspects. It is used in the treatment of problems of physical character (for

example, muscular pains and even stroke) and also psychological (anguish and depressions,

among others). It uses traditional methods and natural but also modern. Holistic medicine usually

includes homeopathy, yoga, herbal medicine and acupuncture (Jackson, 2012).

Holistic Nursing for Stroke patients

When reflecting on care as an essence in the nursing profession, one often finds, as a

critical element, a distancing between the theoretical aspects and the real world of practice. The
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aim is to contrast the theoretical reality with the practice and to have greater arguments for the

conceptualization of care from the lived experiences, both of the people who are cared for and of

the caregivers. In the last decade, much attention has been devoted to defining and clarifying this

concept in the nursing literature, demonstrating its place in health and illness. The recognition of

the different definitions will be conceptual support for the nursing professionals that will help

identify some priority needs for care and strengthen care; the essence of the profession, which

will improve the quality of life of people. Holistic nursing practice is perhaps the most known

form of comprehensive and efficient nursing practice that can be found around the world

(Jackson, 2011).

A patient suffering from long term illnesses like a stroke has to be treated with the

comprehensive nursing method; the holistic nursing practice makes sure the patient has the

minimum risk for getting a stroke while they are being treated. Since the stroke is connected with

physical and psychological aspects, it is crucial that patients suffering from stoke are no exposed

to any conditions that may raise the risk of their heart problem. In this regard, the holistic nurses

make sure that they are able to monitor the patient in all levels of care and they are able to

instantly help and assess the patient and their needs when the time comes (Shea & Frisch, 2014).

Assessment & Diagnosis for stroke patients

The early diagnosis of a stroke is imperative for a good treatment outcome as believed by

holistic nursing practices. However, it is not always easy, and there are many confounding

factors. The stroke or cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is a sudden disorder of cerebral

circulation. It alters the function of a certain region of the brain. Therefore, it is a situation that

requires urgent treatment. It can endanger the survival and health of the patient in a very short
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period of time. The identification of the signs and types is the key to the treatment. Therefore,

holistic nurses focus on how to identify the most common signs suffered by a person who is

having a stroke. The main signs of stroke are the following (Arnaert, Filteau & Sourial, 2006):

• The weakness of the face or one of the limbs abruptly: Paralysis can occur that prevents

the face or extremities from moving.

• Language disorders: The patient cannot speak correctly, presenting difficulty in

pronouncing words or using inappropriate terms.

• Sensitivity problems: Paresthesias, lack of sensitivity, tingling in the affected body area.

• Sudden, partial or total vision loss.

• The very intense headache of sudden onset.

There are two most common types of stroke; one is the Ischemic stroke or cerebral infarction.

It is due to a significant decrease in the blood flow you receive in an area of the brain. Different

reasons can cause this arterial thrombus. Unfortunately, one of the most common is high

cholesterol. Second is the Hemorrhagic stroke. It is due to the rupture of a brain vessel. They

occur less frequently but have a higher mortality rate. In general, stroke can be treated in the

comfort of the patient's home. The holistic nurses, therefore, have to carry out extensive

assessments and diagnosis to make sure the patient is not suffering from or at risk of a stroke

(Arnaert, Filteau & Sourial, 2006).

The holistic nursing practice makes it mandatory that the patient is regularly assessed and

diagnosed to study the changes they experience in their physical and psychological conditions.

This practice falls under the education or research values of the profession and helps the nurses,

carers and the patient to avoid any sudden impact of the illness. Since the stroke itself is a
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phenomenon that has a very short time of initiation. The holistic nurses make sure they can

assess the patients’ blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and the stool and urine tests among others

for the physical assessment. Further, they take the ECG, MRI and CAT scans to assess the

psychological condition of the patient. These regular and on time tests create a process and

highlight any irregularities found in the patient’s condition (Jackson, 2011).

Physical Aspects

The physical aspects of holistic nursing care to make the patient is assessed and

diagnosed in all physical and even psychological dimensions. The practice of holistic nursing

makes sure the patient receives complete physical checkup including blood and tissue sample

testing, fluids and stool flow charts, the quality of digestion and nutrients required depending on

the condition. Further, the MRI or CT scans are done on a regular basis to monitor the change in

the health of the patient and then use this information to diagnose or make a decision that will

further affect the care given to the patient. Holistic nursing works as a process in the physical

aspects of the patient care, and this is why they are more efficient in identifying the issue or the

cause of the illness which can be better treated accordingly.

Psychological Aspects

Holistic nursing makes sure the patient receives minimum psychological pressure and

often designs the environment of the place that will be appreciated by the patient. The function

of this aspect is to provide a minimum state of stress to the patients. The patient often feels

confused and depressed while in their illness or while they are being treated. Many negative

thoughts can hinge the patient to think negatively which can hinder the care process and the

healing process of the patient. Hamilton anxiety rating scale (HAR) is used to minimize the
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anxiety of the patients. The holistic nurse makes sure the patient is not engulfed in negativity and

often maintains the patients’ mood to be positive by keeping them psychologically less confused

or stressed out (Maddalena, 2009).

Social Aspects

The patient can come from any part of the world, this is considered by the holistic nurses,

and that is why they learn the patient’s culture, social beliefs and make sure they do not go

against their feelings. The nurses often adapt to the culture of the patient, so the patient feels

more deeply connected with the caregivers. The nurses are aware of the certain religious aspects

that may restrict the patients to become fully comfortable about. So whenever there is a situation

where the patient feels uncomfortable the holistic nursing practice allows the caregivers to use

alternative ways to help and heal the patient (Maddalena, 2009).

Spiritual Aspects

The holistic nurse provides the patient with a sense of being and understanding of their

presence in the spiritual world. The nurses not only gives them a higher calling to live but they

often uplift the patient’s will to survive by giving the spiritual conditioning that allows the

patients to think in a more comprehensive and included manner. The spiritual aspects often help

the patients to recover faster and therefore this practice is taken as a value by the holistic nurses.

Carers and families Aspects

Carers and families are the members of the community and patient’s members of the

family that helps the patient recover without any monetary benefits as volunteers. These carers

carry a deep love for humanity and try to help the patient recover in many aspects that may
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include psychological or spiritual connectivity as well. The carers and family members carry

high respect in the healthcare services and are often seen as a positive reinforcement by the

patients while they are being healed in the clinical setting.

Support for Carers and families

Medical care centers and associations help the carers and family members to learn about

the illness their patient is suffering from. This allows them to question and discuss the conditions

of the illness and the rate of recovery of the patients. These carers then later on become a bridge

between the medical research associations and the community to educate them regarding various

illnesses. The patients are also very interested in finding out more about their own conditions,

and the illness they are suffering from this raises the support for the carers and the members of

the family of the patient (Shea & Frisch, 2014).

Conclusion

Holistic nursing overall has become the most advanced nursing practice in the medical

world. The practices used by holistic nurses are both comprehensive and efficient which

minimizes the risk associated with patient care. The functions executed by the holistic nurses

make sure the patient and the carers are connected in complete harmony, and there is no lack of

communication. The wholesome approach of holistic nursing allows the patient to get self-

motivated to recover and is assisted with several positive reinforcements that allow the patients

to get the best care in their illness.

References

Arnaert, A., Filteau, N., & Sourial, R. (2006). Stroke Patients in the Acute Care Phase. Holistic

Nursing Practice, 20(3), 137-146. doi: 10.1097/00004650-200605000-00008

Drugay, M. (1992). Influencing holistic nursing practice in long-term care. Holistic Nursing

Practice, 7(1), 46. doi: 10.1097/00004650-199210000-00010

Jackson, C. (2011). Tales From the Operating Room. Holistic Nursing Practice, 25(3), 117-119.

doi: 10.1097/hnp.0b013e31821692d9

Jackson, C. (2012). The Role of Healing Modalities (Complementary/Alternative Medicine) in

Holistic Nursing Practice. Holistic Nursing Practice, 26(1), 3-5. doi:

10.1097/hnp.0b013e31823e53bc

Maddalena, V. (2009). Cultural Competence and Holistic Practice. Holistic Nursing Practice,

23(3), 153-157. doi: 10.1097/hnp.0b013e3181a056a0

Shea, L., & Frisch, N. (2014). Application of Integral Theory in Holistic Nursing Practice.

Holistic Nursing Practice, 28(6), 344-352. doi: 10.1097/hnp.0000000000000050