Manikganj Nursing College

Assignment On
Holistic Nursing Care

Course Title: Fundamentals of Nursing - 1

Course Code: B 133
Paper: Paper I (Fundamentals of Nursing)

Submitted to
Shankri Mondol
Nursing Instructor
Manikganj Nursing College, Manikganj
Signature:

Submitted by
Group Azalea
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (1st Year)
DU Roll: DU Reg.: 4090-4098
Roll No.: 21-30
Session: 2023-2024

Submission Date: 24/04/2025

 Members

Roll
Name
no.
23 Kanij Fatema Kuasha (Leader)

22 Mitu Akter

24 Fariha Khan

25 Najib Abdullah

26 Nusaiba Akter

27 Farjana Akter

28 Fabiha Khan

29 Mst Sumaiya Jahan

30 Ontora Khatun

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 Table of Contents

Serial Page
Contents
no. no.

1 Holistic Nursing Care 3

2 Principles 3

3 Area of the care with example 4

4 Goals and Attributes 6

5 Significance 9

6 Practice of the care 9

7 Development and Integration 10

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1. Holistic Nursing Care

Definition: “All nursing practice that has healing the whole person as its goal”.

(American Holistic Nurses’ Association, 1998)

Holistic nursing care is an approach to healthcare that recognizes and honors the interconnectedness of
the mind, body, spirit, and environment in promoting health and healing. Unlike conventional models that
often focus solely on the physical aspects of illness, holistic care emphasizes the importance of treating
the whole person. It considers emotional well-being, cultural background, spiritual beliefs, lifestyle
choices, and social relationships as integral parts of the healing process.

This approach fosters a deeper understanding of each patient’s unique needs and values, enabling nurses
to develop care plans that are not only clinically effective but also personally meaningful.

2. Principles

Holistic Nursing Care begins with meaningful conversations that allow nurses to connect with their
patients on a personal and emotional level. These initial talks are more than just a routine assessment; they
are the first step in building a trusting relationship where patients feel seen, heard, and valued. During
these interactions, the nurse seeks to understand not only the patient’s physical symptoms but also their
emotional state, beliefs, lifestyle, and cultural preferences. The core principles of Holistic Nursing Care
are:

• Individualized care.
• Connection of mind, body and spirit.
• Patient centered approach.
• Compassion and Empathy.
• Integrations of therapies.
• Environmental and cultural awareness.

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3. Area of the care

Holistic Nursing Care encompasses a wide range of interconnected areas that together promote complete
healing and wellness. Each area plays a vital role in addressing the diverse needs of patients and ensuring
that care extends beyond physical symptoms. Below are the major areas of focus in holistic nursing:

1. Physical Care

This involves the direct management of a patient’s physical health, including pain control, medication
administration, wound care, hygiene, and nutrition. It forms the foundation of nursing care, ensuring
comfort and stability in the healing process.

2. Mental Care

Holistic nursing acknowledges the importance of mental well-being. Nurses assess cognitive function,
address anxiety or confusion, and provide a supportive environment to reduce stress and promote mental
clarity.

3. Emotional Care

Attending to emotional needs helps patients cope with fear, sadness, or trauma. Nurses offer empathy,
active listening, and reassurance to build emotional resilience and trust throughout the care experience.

4. Spiritual Care

Respecting and supporting a patient’s spiritual beliefs is essential in holistic care. This may involve prayer,
meditation, or simply being present, allowing patients to find peace, hope, or meaning during illness or
recovery.

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5. Cultural Sensitivity

Culturally competent care ensures that patients’ traditions, values, and beliefs are respected. Holistic
nurses adapt communication and treatment plans to align with each patient’s cultural background.

6. Social Care

Understanding a patient’s social connections, such as family roles, support systems, and community
involvement, helps nurses provide care that promotes social well-being and reduces feelings of isolation.

7. Environmental Factors

The care environment affects healing. Holistic nurses pay attention to noise, lighting, cleanliness, and
comfort to create a space that supports relaxation and recovery.

8. Complementary Therapies

These include non-invasive therapies such as massage and aromatherapy. These methods work alongside
traditional treatments to enhance relaxation, reduce pain, and promote holistic healing.

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 Example

22 y/o patient with anxiety disorder

In order to treat a patient such as, Holistic Nursing Care goes through the points below to reach a certain
goal.

• Physical care: Sleep and nutrition.

• Emotional Care: Talking therapy and journaling.
• Spiritual Care: Yoga, meditation, exercise.
• Social Care: Reconnecting with friends, community activities.

Goal: Balance of mind, body and lifestyle.

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4. Goals

The ultimate aim of holistic nursing care is to treat the individual as a whole, recognizing the interplay
between the body, mind, spirit, and environment. By addressing more than just physical symptoms,
holistic nursing strives to achieve deeper, more sustainable outcomes for patients. The key goals include:

1. PROMOTION OF HEALTH:

Holistic nursing focuses not only on treating illness but also on preventing disease and maintaining overall
wellness. Through education, lifestyle guidance, and compassionate support, nurses help patients adopt
healthy behaviors that foster long-term well-being.

2. Enhancement of Quality of Life:

Beyond physical healing, holistic care seeks to improve how patients feel, function, and experience life.
This involves addressing emotional comfort, mental clarity, spiritual peace, and social connection to
ensure a higher quality of daily living.

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 3. Empowerment of Patients’ Health:

Empowering patients means encouraging active participation in their own care. Holistic nurses provide
the knowledge, support, and encouragement needed for individuals to make informed decisions and take
ownership of their healing journey.

Attributes

Holistic nursing care is grounded in a set of core attributes that shape the way nurses approach patient
care. These attributes reflect a deep commitment to personal growth, mindfulness, and compassionate
service. They guide the nurse in delivering care that is thoughtful, individualized, and effective on all levels
of the human experience.

1. Gaining Knowledge

Holistic nurses are committed to continuous learning and expanding their understanding of both
traditional medical practices and alternative healing methods. This knowledge allows them to provide
well-rounded care that integrates evidence-based medicine with holistic principles.

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 2. Using Awareness

Awareness involves being fully present and attentive to the patient’s needs, both expressed and unspoken.
It includes self-awareness, emotional intelligence, helping the nurse respond with empathy and insight.

3. Providing Care

At the heart of holistic nursing is the act of caring. This care goes beyond technical skills—it involves
creating meaningful connections, showing compassion, and supporting the healing process in every
dimension of a person’s life.

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5. Significance

Holistic Nursing Care holds a profound place in modern healthcare, as it brings a deeply humanistic and
patient-centered approach to healing. In an era where medical treatment can often become mechanical or
impersonal, holistic care reminds us of the importance of treating each individual as more than just a
diagnosis. By considering the physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and social aspects of a person's well-
being, holistic nursing creates a space where true healing can occur. The significance of Holistic Nursing
Care:

• Whole person care.

• Improved healing and recovery.
• Enhanced patient satisfaction.
• Better nurse-patient relationship.
• Support for mental health.
• Use of complementary therapies.
• Sensitive cultural care.

6. Practice of the care

The practice of Holistic Nursing Care is rooted in daily interactions that emphasize connection,
compassion, and respect. It is not limited to clinical procedures or treatment plans, but rather, it is reflected
in the way nurses communicate, listen, and build relationships with their patients. These practices form
the heart of holistic care, ensuring that each patient feels valued, understood, and actively involved in their
own healing process. Holistic Nursing Care can be practiced by following the key points below:

1. Building trust from the start.

2. Using clear and effective communication.

3. Showing empathy and compassion.

4. Respecting patient autonomy.

5. Practicing active listening.

6. Follow-ups and check-ins.

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7. Development

Developing Holistic Nursing Care requires a thoughtful combination of knowledge, skill, and intention.
It involves more than just adopting techniques—it calls for a deep commitment to seeing the patient as a
whole and responding to their unique needs with sensitivity and respect. As healthcare continues to
evolve, the ability to deliver holistic care becomes increasingly essential for creating meaningful, lasting
outcomes. The practice of Holistic Nursing Care can be further developed in the ways below:

1. Practice of Active Listening.

2. Comprehensive patient assessment.

3. Cultural competence.

4. Integration of Complementary Therapies.

5. Creation of a healing environment.

6. Patient empowerment and self-care.

7. Nurse’s own self-care and reflection.

Integration of Technology

Technology is reshaping healthcare. Additionally, it can enhance holistic care. With modern technology,
we can talk about balance - using tech without losing the human touch. In order to do so, we can follow
the steps below:

1. Electronic Health Records (EHRs)

EHRs provide a holistic overview, enabling personalized care plans by considering the
interconnectedness of patient experiences and health aspects.

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 2. Telehealth

Telehealth increases accessibility, supports patient-centered care within their environment, and allows for
continuous monitoring, fostering well-being.

3. Artificial Intelligence

AI augments nurses' abilities through predictive analytics, administrative support, and personalized
recommendations, allowing for more focused patient interaction and tailored care.

Conclusion

This exploration of Holistic Nursing Care reveals its profound significance in the landscape of modern
healthcare. By acknowledging the intricate connection between mind, body, spirit, and environment, this
approach moves beyond the limitations of treating solely physical symptoms. Holistic nursing emphasizes
individualized care, compassion, and patient empowerment, ultimately fostering a healing process that is
both comprehensive and deeply humanistic. As healthcare evolves, the principles and practices of holistic
nursing remain essential for achieving optimal patient outcomes and enhancing the overall quality of life.
The integration of technology, when balanced with the core tenets of holistic care, further offers innovative
ways to support this patient-centered approach.

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