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is greater than the sum of its parts; and that holism involves understanding the individual as an integrated whole interacting with and being acted upon by both internal and external environment” It is believed that the whole person is made up of interdependent parts and if one part is not working properly, all the other parts will be affected. Therefore there is an in balance of physical, emotional, or spiritual in sick people which in turn negatively affect their overall health. The aim of holistic nursing is to focus on all forms of healing from 10 | P a g e conventional medication to alternative therapies to treat a patient (Strindberg, et al, 2007). According to (Dossey, 2005) the role of holistic nurses “is to learn to incorporate mindoriented therapies in all areas of nursing in order to treat the physiologic as well as the psychologic and spiritual sequel to illness” 2.1.1 Holistic Nurse A holistic nurse is described as one who really cares. They are nurses who really take their time with the patient; they recognize and treat each individual differently, they are able to see beyond the diagnosis and not treat the patient as a burden. A holistic nurse needs to recognize the psychological and emotional well-being of a patient to facilitate physical healing. Respecting the patients role in the treatment process having the patient take part in the process and encouraging self-care is an aspect of holistic care which leads to therapeutic consultation, hope, dignity, self-discipline, social growth a sense of autonomy, vigor and vitality. The goal of a holistic nurse is to identify what the patient’s idea of health and healing is and facilitate a treatment plan to enhance the entire well-being of the individual. A holistic nurse acts as a partner to the patients guiding them in their journey of healing. The holistic practice is built on the philosophy that all elements in life are connected; self, nature, spirit and others. All aspects influence the other and can impact the overall health of a patient. (Mariano, 2007) Holism is a concept that is found in holistic nursing which means treating a human being as a whole. For nurses to deliver holistic care, it is important to differentiate and understand healing and curing. Curing focuses on manly eradicating what is causing the illness this includes the use of medicine in order to find a physical cure to a disease. Healing which is mainly the concept of holistic nursing focuses on finding balance in the body, mind, and spirit in a human being. (Dossey, 2005) The best outcome for a patient is when the two healing and curing are combined. CORE VALUES OF HOLISTIC CARE Holistic nursing is governed by four core values that summarize the ideals and principles of holistic nursing. The core values describe a diversity of nursing activities in 11 | P a g e which holistic nurses are involved. They are based on the philosophy is an art and science for which the primary purpose is to provide services that enable individuals, families and communities to achieve wholeness. The core values of holistic nursing are 1.philosophy theory and ethics, 2.Holistic caring process, 3. Holistic communication, 4. therapeutic environment and cultural diversity, 5. Holistic education and research and 6. Holistic nurse self-care. (Mariano, 2007) THE HOLISTIC CARING PROCESS A holistic nurse provides care recognizing the patient as a whole. The holistic caring process involves assessment, diagnosis, and outcome, therapeutic plan of care, implementation and evaluation (Mariano, 2007). Holistic Communication Holistic communication is the art of sharing and as well as factual communication. It involves the patient experiencing the presence of the nurse as caring, sincere, nonjudgmental, and compassionate and appreciating the patient's point of view. This begins with non-verbal communication for example keeping eye contact and an inviting facial expression and willingness to listen to a patient's point of view. “Active listening” is the basic form of holistic communication. It is the act of listening to what the patient says and reflecting it back to the patient. The goal is to listen to the whole person and provide the person with empathic understanding. This helps the patient feel heard and understood (Klagsbrun J 2001) Holistic nurse self-care Holistic nursing requires the integration of self-care. It is important for holistic nurses to recognize that they cannot facilitate healing unless they are in the process of healing 12 | P a g e themselves. The World Health Organization defines self-care as "activities individuals, families, and communities undertake with the intention of enhancing health, preventing disease, limiting illness, and restoring health. These activities are derived from knowledge and skills from the pool of both professional and lay experience. They are undertaken by lay people on their own behalf, either separately or in participative collaboration with professionals." (WHO, 1983). Holistic nurses value themselves and mobilize the necessary resources to care for themselves. They endeavor to integrate self-awareness, self-care and self-healing by engaging in practices such as selfassessment, meditation, yoga, good nutrition, movement, art, support and lifelong learning. They strive to achieve balance and harmony in their own life and help others do the same. (AHNA, 2007) 2.1.2 Holistic Nursing Philosophy Holistic nursing is a philosophy of holism, healing and spirituality. As mentioned earlier,
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