Synopsis
In this handbook endorsed by the American Holistic Nursing Association (AHNA) that updates the 2000 edition, Montgomery and her colleagues with a holistic nursing consulting firm in western states have compiled a comprehensive treatment of the core values, objectives, and modalities of alternative and complementary practice. Each chapter contains healer reflections and directions for future research in bodymind areas from nutrition to spirituality. The text also contains the AHNA standards. Annotation © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Jane W. Swanson
Watson's forward probably says it best: "The third edition of Holistic Nursing: A Handbook for Practice, while building upon the seminal work of the first two editions, takes a quantum leap forward... offering a blueprint for holistic nursing for the next era in nursing's history, unveiling the latest and most contemporary thinking in the field" (p. xxvii). This expanded edition is a discussion of questions regarding the body of nursing knowledge and nursing's contract with society. The editors ask: if healing is the domain of all disciplines, including the primary focus of the individual, what are the contributions of nurses? With this handbook they provide the latest guidance and practice suggestions for integration of complementary and integrated interventions. An additional benefit is the inclusion of multiple previously published journal articles making a fuller reference guide than the second edition of 1995. The intent is to help nurses develop an integrated approach for nursing practice which involves patients as participants in all phases of their care. The contributors focus on topics or clinical interventions to help nurses shape a practice that integrates body, mind, and complementary therapies with traditional approaches to practice. The theoretical and research based interventions are outlined and approaches for evaluation are suggested. Nurses are also offered guidance for further study and certification in alternative and complementary therapies. The book contains excellent self-assessment tools so nurses can reflect on their own healing and awaken the inner healer that models a wellness lifestyle and heightened self-awareness. Although the primary audience forthis work is the holistic nurse, the content and focus are presented in ways which are relevant to nurses in all practice settings. I would give this book the highest rating and recommend it as essential to any nurse's library.