Nursing historically has embraced those therapies and interventions that place the patient in the best environment to allow healing to take place (Nightingale), many of which today are referred to as complementary or alternative to a medical or allopathic treatment plan. Graduates of the BSN program should have knowledge and skill of these various C/AT interventions as well as engage in a life-long program of self-care in order to provide exemplary nursing care.
At the conclusion of the BSN program, students will:
1. Create an environment where patients openly discuss their use of C/AT.
a. Obtain information from all patients/clients on the use/practice of any C/AT modalities when performing any assessment.
b. Recognize how own cultural and spiritual beliefs may impact one's interaction with patients/clients/families.
c. Practice deep-listening/presence when interacting with any patient/client/family.
d. Interact with all patient/client/families in a non-judgmental manner if divergent healthcare practices or non-Western healthcare/healing systems are practiced by clients.
2. Evaluate the safety and efficacy of selected C/AT for patient/client use.
a. Demonstrate knowledge of the range of therapies included in the five C/AT domains including the historical and cultural context, scientific rationale for use, and supporting evidence.
· Alternative healing systems
· Mind-body interventions
· Energy therapies
· Manipulative/body-based therapies
· Biologically-based therapies
b. Conduct research-based integrative literature reviews on representative C/AT for symptoms and patient problems amenable to nursing intervention.
3. Advise patients regarding their use of C/AT from an evidence-based perspective
a. Have knowledge of appropriate web-based and print sources for reliable and scientific information on C/AT.
b. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the evidence-base of those core C/AT interventions integral to BSN nursing practice. (See competency #5)
4. Work within an interdisciplinary team that includes C/AT practitioners
b. Demonstrate ability and skill to be a contributing member of an interdisciplinary care team that includes C/AT practitioners in all leadership-focused courses.
c. Integrate provision of C/AT by appropriate practitioners into a patient/client's plan of care as desired or indicated.
5. Incorporate appropriate C/AT into their practice or provide appropriate referral(s)
a. Demonstrate knowledge and beginning skills in the following C/AT interventions:
1. Back and foot massage
2. Acupressure (i.e., P6 for nausea)
3. Music
4. Nutrition counseling
5. Aromatherapy
6. Guided imagery
7. Meditation
8. Simple muscle relaxation
9. Healing/touch therapies
10. Presence/deep listening
b. Provide referral to licensed/credentialed C/AT practitioners as indicated.
6. Integrate self-reflection and self-care into personal plan for health and wellness
a. Learn and practice one self-care technique while a student which will form the basis for life-long self-care practices.
b. Participate in the "Inner life of healers" program at the beginning of the nursing curriculum and throughout the time of study.
c. Include self-care practices and reflections on self-care in all clinical log assignments.