The self as healer: reflections from a nurse's journey.

Area of Science:

• Integrative medicine
• Holistic healthcare
• Nursing practice

Background:

• Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasingly integrated into conventional healthcare settings.
• Public interest is growing in both alternative therapies and holistic approaches to health.
• Nurses are positioned to play a key role in developing a more holistic healthcare system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the concept of the self as a healer within the context of nursing.
• To examine the role of nurses in facilitating holistic healing for patients.
• To investigate the process by which nurses can develop their own healing identity.

Main Methods:

• This article presents a conceptual exploration of healing.
• It addresses four key questions regarding the nature of healing, its locus, facilitation by nurses, and the development of a healer identity.
• The approach is philosophical and theoretical, drawing on the concept of the self as healer.

Main Results:

• Healing is a complex process that can be facilitated by nurses.
• The locus of healing can be internal or external, involving the self and the healthcare environment.
• Nurses can enhance their healing capacity by recognizing and cultivating their own identity as healers.

Conclusions:

• Nurses must first reclaim their identity as healers to effectively contribute to a holistic healthcare system.
• Facilitating healing involves understanding its multifaceted nature and the nurse's role within it.
• The development of a nurse's self-as-healer identity is foundational for providing comprehensive, patient-centered care.