Integrative Nursing

Integrative Nursing is a framework of focusing a whole health perspective to optimize wellbeing. This method integrate a relationship-based and patient-centered in caring for patients as a whole person and whole system and the wellbeing of their caregivers . The University of Arizona, College of Nursing offers a nursing program with an emphasis in Integrated Health, first program in the nation.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ME?

As a healthcare provider, it is important to care for the patient as a whole being, inseparable from their systems. The idea of integrative nursing encompasses the mind, body, and spirit to improve patient care for better outcomes. We want to make sure our patients have better disease management, mental health, and much more. It challenges me to incorporate various integrative modalities into my patient-centered care.

For example, exploring the idea of incorporating Eastern practices with Western practices into healthcare. I can connect with relatives about "non-conventional" medical treatments they received in the past and further research evidence-based articles/journals to explore these potential options for my patients.

LETS EXPLORE!

Integrative health does not have to be challenging. Healthcare should be easy to understand so we can better care for ourselves.

One integrative modality include box breathing to lower stress levels. Focusing on deep breathing has been shown as an effective method for the management of stress. This project completed in level 1 provides more information on the correlation between deep breathing and stress and its effectiveness.

I challenge you to explore different integrative modalities into your role as a healthcare provider or even in your daily life.