Holistic nursing considers the entire individual, not just their medical issues. This approach looks at a person’s mind, spirit, body, culture and environment to provide well-rounded care. Holistic nursing empowers individuals to take charge of their health and treatment plans, making it an increasingly valued care delivery in the nursing field. The University of South Carolina Aiken offers an online Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that equips students with essential skills and knowledge for providing holistic nursing care in all settings.
The History of Holistic Care
The history of holistic nursing dates back to the 1700s, when natural remedies like herbal treatments were commonly used in nursing. Holistic care focusing on the whole person — including spiritual, physical, psychological, emotional and social aspects — was part of nursing education until the mid 1900s. Florence Nightingale, often regarded as the founder of nursing, emphasized the link between health and the environment and recognized the importance of light, air, cleanliness and water in healing.
However, as medical technology advanced, the principles of holistic care began to fade. To address this decline, the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) was established in 1981 to promote holistic care through education and community support. By 2019, the AHNA had over 5,500 members dedicated to advancing holistic healthcare. In 2006, the American Nurses Association (ANA) recognized holistic nursing as a specialized field.
Holistic Care in Nursing
Holistic nursing is not meant to compete with traditional medicine but to enhance it by addressing the physical, emotional, social, spiritual, cultural and behavioral needs of patients. This practice helps connect current medical treatments with what the patient truly desires for their complete well-being. According to TraumaEd, some important values of holistic nursing include:
- Patient-centered care: Focuses on building strong nurse-patient relationships and creating care plans that honor each person’s beliefs and experiences
- Connection: Acknowledges that health and healing involve the whole person and their environment
- Integrative practices: Combines both traditional and alternative or complementary therapies
- Promoting self-care and wellness: Encourages patients to take an active role in their health through lifestyle changes and self-care practices
Nurses should consider all these elements when implementing holistic care practices. Additionally, the ANA outlines five core values in the Standards of Holistic Nursing:
- Philosophy and education: Holistic nursing is based on a philosophical framework.
- Holistic ethics, nursing theory and research: Nursing is grounded in ethical principles and research.
- Holistic nurse self-care: Stresses the importance of nurses taking care of themselves to be able to care for others.
- Holistic communication, Therapeutic Environment and Cultural Competence: Highlights the importance of communicating shared health goals.
- The holistic caring process: Applies a comprehensive nursing process in patient assessment and care.
These five principles emphasize the breadth of holistic care. Holistic nursing complements modern medical care, creating a more comprehensive approach to health and wellness.
Nursing Across the Lifespan
The holistic approach is relevant across all stages of life, from infancy to old age, as it recognizes that individuals have unique needs based on their developmental stage. For example, an article in Integrative Health Journal notes that nurses provide tailored support to children, helping families navigate healthcare challenges while promoting healthy habits.
Similarly, with elderly patients, Allied Academics notes that holistic care may involve addressing not only physical ailments but also emotional and social needs, fostering a sense of community and connection. This comprehensive view ensures that care is responsive to the complexities of each patient’s life and circumstances.
Nurses are uniquely equipped to deliver this holistic care because of their training and skills. Through RN to BSN online programs, like that at USC Aiken, nurses expand their knowledge in holistic nursing practices, which enables them to assess and address diverse patient needs effectively. These educational pathways empower nurses to employ a variety of techniques — such as active listening and patient education — which are essential for building trust and understanding patients’ perspectives. As they incorporate these skills into their practice, nurses contribute to a more integrated and personalized healthcare experience, ensuring that patients feel seen, heard and supported throughout their health journey.
Why Pursue an RN to BSN Program Online?
Courses like Professional Nursing, Nursing Care of the Client with Complex Health Needs, and Gerontological Nursing in USC Aiken’s online RN to BSN program help nurses see patients as whole individuals. These courses focus on holistic care, encouraging nurses to consider physical, emotional, psychological and social aspects of health.
This approach is especially valuable when caring for patients with complex needs or older adults, as it promotes a deeper understanding of each person. Graduates are equipped to offer patient-centered care that builds trust and improves health outcomes across the lifespan.
Learn more about USC Aiken’s online RN to BSN program.
