Holistic Nurses' Use of Energy-Based Caring Modalities.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Holistic Health

Background:

• Holistic nursing integrates mind, body, and spirit in patient care.
• Energy-based modalities (EBMs) are increasingly recognized within holistic frameworks.
• Understanding the application of EBMs in clinical practice is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore practice situations where self-identified holistic nurses use energy-based modalities (EBMs).
• To identify themes and patterns in the application of EBMs within holistic nursing.
• To understand the role of EBMs in addressing patient concerns holistically.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study design was employed.
• Four hundred and twenty-four self-identified holistic nurses completed an online survey.
• Conventional content analysis was used to analyze free-text responses.

Main Results:

• Nurses described EBMs as caring modalities for a wide range of concerns across the lifespan.
• EBMs were used to support care for specific medical conditions and life transitions.
• A key theme revealed that the use of EBMs transcends specific 'conditions' and is integrated within a holistic framework.
• The modality became secondary to addressing the 'whole' person energetically.

Conclusions:

• Energy-based modalities are versatile tools within holistic nursing practice.
• Holistic nursing prioritizes addressing the patient's overall energetic state over specific modalities.
• The findings highlight a unified vision in holistic nursing focused on comprehensive, energetic well-being.