CAM therapies and nursing competency

Americans are embracing complementary and alternative medical (CAM) therapies in ever-increasing numbers, with more than $30 billion spent on CAM each year. This consumer-driven trend challenges staff development leaders to learn more about CAM and the implications for staff competency. This article reviews CAM integration from the Federal to state level, and describes guidelines to facilitate development of policies related to CAM, nursing competency, and promotion of patient advocacy in use of CAM therapies.