A Proactive Innovation for Health Care Transformation

Abstract

A cohort of holistic nurses, recognizing opportunities inherent in health care transformation, organized and worked together from 2009 to 2012. The goal was to hold space for holistic nursing by developing a health and wellness coaching role and certification program for holistic nurses. The intent was to ensure that holistic nurses could work to the fullest of their ability within the evolving health care system, and others could discover the merit of holistic nursing as they explored the possibilities of nurse coaching. Challenges emerged that required the cohort plan strategies that would hold the space for nursing while also moving toward the intended goal. As they worked, this cohort demonstrated leadership skills, knowledge, values, and attitudes of holistic nursing that provide an example for others who follow in the wake of health care transformation. The American Holistic Credentialing Corporation's perspective of the events that unfolded and of the related decisions made by the coalition provides a record of the evolution of holistic nursing.

Health and Wellness Coaching in Serving the Needs of Today’s Patients: A Primer for Healthcare Professionals

“… 17 An opportunity exists to develop innovative ways to address this continuum of patient’s needs before, during, and after health assessment through the utilization of HWC. 18 …”

Holistic Wellness in Older Adulthood: Group Differences Based on Age and Mental Health

“…Going forward, additional research is needed to extend these findings. As Erickson et al (2016) point out, there is an opportunity to transform the health care system so that it better aligns with a holistic approach to patient care. Therefore, intervention research is needed to examine how wellness and resilience may be incorporated into approaches to patient treatment.…”

The Potential Contribution of Current Health Care Zeitgeists to the Success of Health and Wellness Coaches

“…19 Similarly, the American Nurses Association has recently sanctioned the role of Health and Wellness Nurse Coaches. 20 Due to the extended care provided by HWCs and the HWC-patient relationship, HWCs are able to gather a more global assessment of a patient's lifestyle and values from which behavior change can be informed. The holistic approach of health and wellness coaching includes mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects to promote overall wellness.…”