The health care system often is described as fragmented, complex, inefficient, and dehumanizing. Between 40 and 65 percent of the U.S. population uses alternative or complementary therapies, and there is increasing evidence that many of these therapies can be helpful to persons experiencing illness or wanting to stay healthy. Many nurses see the value of incorporating these therapies into their practices in hospitals, long-term care, and primary care.
When nurses discover complementary therapies for healing and growth, such as massage, Reiki or aromatherapy, they often feel they have come home to a more natural way of nursing.
One of the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursings newest programs is the Advanced Holistic Nursing Program. The program is one of only seven such degree programs available in the nation.
The program of study consists of 42 credit hours leading to a Master of Science degree in Nursing. Grounded in a philosophy of Caring, this advanced practice focus in holistic nursing follows the American Association of Colleges of Nursings (AACN) Essentials of Masters Education for Advanced Practice Nursing and the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) Standards and Core Values for Advanced Holistic Nursing.
Holistic learning space
Faculty who are known for their expertise and scholarship in holistic nursing will guide students in reflective practice and in developing their expertise in selected practice areas. Students may choose to develop nursing expertise in one of three focal areas: mind-body practices, manipulative and body-based practices, or energetic healing practices. Full- and part-time study is available, with courses conveniently offered through online and intensive class formats. Opportunities are available for practice in College of Nursing Centers and other community-based locations. Graduates of this program will be able to sit for Board Certification in Advanced Holistic Nursing (AHN-BC).
Holistic nurses emphasize the care of the whole person in the context of their health situation, whatever it may be. They engage with persons, families, and communities on their unique healing journeys. The focus of our program is to enable nurses to respond from among a wide horizon of holistic modalities in their Caring nursing practice.
The health care system often is described as fragmented, complex, inefficient, and dehumanizing. Between 40 and 65 percent of the U.S. population uses alternative or complementary therapies, and there is increasing evidence that many of these therapies can be helpful to persons experiencing illness or wanting to stay healthy. Many nurses see the value of incorporating these therapies into their practices in hospitals, long-term care, and primary care. 
