Holistic Nursing Continuing Education Courses

HOLISTIC & INTEGRATIVE HEALTH CARE SPECIALIST

The American Institute of Health Care Professionals, Inc., offers a full Continuing Education program of online courses for those Registered Nurses seeking Certification in Holistic & Integrative Health Care Practice.

Holistic nurse courses Upon completion of the six (6) courses detailed below, applicants are eligible to apply for and receive certification as a Certified Holistic & Integrative Health Care Practice Specialist. Each course is provided for in a dedicated online classroom. The courses are designed as independent study/continuing education courses, with one-to-one faculty mentoring. There is open enrollment and students may register and begin the education program at anytime.

To review information on the Holistic & Integrative Health Care Practice Certification program: Access here.

HOLISTIC & INTEGRATIVE HEALTH CARE PRACTICE CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM/COURSES

Below are listed the required courses for this curriculum. At the end of each course description you will find the course cost listed. All textbooks and learning materials are separate and not included in the course cost.

The following CE courses have provider approvals: The American Institute of Health Care Professionals Inc. is an Approved Provider of Continuing Education by the Florida State Board of Nursing, CE Provider # 50-11975.

All of the following courses have provider approvals: CE Provider # 50-11975 and is a licensed Continuing Education Provider in the State of California, Board of Registered Nursing, Provider # CEP 15595. For additional information please access here.

The following CE Courses ( except for SM 530 Clinical Stress Management and SC 560 Intuitive and Energy Healing) also have Nursing Board Rule Provider Approvals:

The American Institute of Health Care Professionals Inc: is a Rule Approved Provider of Continuing Education by the Arkansas Board of Nursing. CE Provider # 50-11975.
The American Institute of Health Care Professionals Inc: is a Rule Approved Provider of Continuing Education by the Georgia Board of Nursing. CE Provider # 50-11975.
The American Institute of Health Care Professionals Inc: is a Rule Approved Provider of Continuing Education by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. CE Provider # 50-11975.
The American Institute of Health Care Professionals Inc: is a Rule Approved Provider of Continuing Education by the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Professional Registered Nurses. CE Provider # 50-11975.
The American Institute of Health Care Professionals Inc: is a Rule Approved Provider of Continuing Education by the New Mexico Board of Nursing. CE Provider # 50-11975.
The American Institute of Health Care Professionals Inc: is a Rule Approved Provider of Continuing Education by the Kentucky Board of Nursing CE Provider # 50-11975.

HN 500 – Holistic Nursing: Theory & Practice I

This CE Course is the first and the foundational course in the education curriculum for Registered Nurses in the Integrative and Holistic Nursing Certification/Education program. This comprehensive course introduces the professional nurse to the sub-specialty practice of Holistic and Integrative Nursing practice, including alternative and complimentary care practices and interventions. Students will study the history and progression of this sub-specialty practice and gain a solid foundation and appreciation for its purpose and growth in contemporary nursing practice today. They will explore the Scope and Standards of Holistic Nursing Practice and understand their important and applications in clinical practice. As their study progresses they will begin to appreciate and understand theories, philosophies and implications for the development and implications of holistic and integrative nursing practice today. This sub-specialty practice becomes more tangible to the student as they progress in their study of more core concepts such as healing, spirituality in practice, transpersonal caring and holistic ethics. This course also focuses on the holistic nurse leader and how leadership is important to not only the modern-day practice of holistic and integrative nursing but to its future growth and success. Theories and implications for effective holistic leadership are examined. Study continues with important concepts of nursing holistic self-development, contemplative practices, that assist the student in transitioning into the professional sub-specialty practice of holistic/integrative professional nursing practice. Students also begin their study of important concepts of wellness and health promotion, especially related to initiatives such as Healthy People and Healthy Nurse. This foundational course prepares the student for entry into the other two courses which focuses in-depth specifically in holistic/integrative body, mind and spirit interventions and modalities utilized in this sub-specialty practice. Contract hours of education: 50 hours. Course HN 500 Cost: $ 175.00.

HN 510 – Holistic Nursing: Theory & Practice II

This continuing education course continues the student’s education in the study of the theory and applications of Holistic and Integrative Nursing Sub-Specialty Practice. This comprehensive course moves from the more foundational theory and practice of the sub-specialty practice and provides for the study of the core elements of the heart of the specialty in clinical practice. Students will study issues related to obesity, nutrition and world-wide related nutritional issues. They will study major holistic theories and complementary modalities including mindfulness, meditation, movement, intention quantum theory and the research and implications for such in clinical holistic practice today. The use of imagery in practice will be explored from a research outcomes perspective as well as an intervention in holistic practice. The role of the holistic nurse in developing a comprehensive body-mind-spirit plan of care and the use of the holistic nursing process is examined and implications for use in practice are discussed and reviewed. Students will then study therapeutic touch, it’s history, research outcomes and use in a holistic nursing practice setting for easing patients’ pain, stress and anxiety. A study and inquiry into energy healing and its various modalities is undertaken and students will examine the effectiveness and clinical outcomes of these modalities and learn how they can be incorporated into a holistic and integrative practice. The study of aromatherapy and the use of essential oils then is undertaken. Students will learn the essence of essential oils, how they are used in health care practices today, clinical effectiveness and outcomes and issues related to further education and credentialing for those interested in their use in practice. Aesthetics in nursing is examined in many dimensions and students will come away with a grounded understanding of its importance in inclusion of a holistic and integrative nursing practice. The study of the peace end of life care is examined and holistic approaches to providing patients with peaceful transitions at the end of life are examined. Students will study the evolution from therapeutic communications to holistic communications and learn how to move forward in this important evolution in their own practices. Students then examine the newer role of the professional nurse coach and learn how the holistic nurse can also serve as a professional nurse coach to her/his clients in this sub-specialty practice. Course Code: HN 510. Contact hours of education: 50 hours. Course Cost: $ 175.00.

HN 520 – Holistic Nursing: Theory & Practice III

This Continuing Education course in Holistic/Integrative Nursing Theory and Practice continues the student’s study in the core concepts of this subspecialty. It begins with an inquiry in issues related to environmental health with an emphasis on the most pressing issues society faces today such as environmental toxins, clean water, air quality and climate change. Other major environmental issues are examined such as noise and the stress response as well as radiation levels in our environments. Implications for holistic/integrative practice are examined. Students will then study from a broad and then more focused concentration the topics of holistic education, research, and advanced concepts related to Holistic/Integrative Nursing Practice. Personal development as a holistic/integrative nurse are examined, as well as various types of education program and continuing education as an ongoing path of personal development. The study of creating, appraising, and applying evidence to enhance holistic/integrative nursing practice is examined. Students will also examine advanced pharmacotherapeutics as they relate to holistic/integrative health care practice. This study will include many herbs, botanicals, and supplements most commonly utilized in this subspecialty practice. Both therapeutic uses and benefits are examined as well as contraindications for selected conditions. The Role of the Advanced Holistic Nurse is studied related to practice with patients with chronic noncommunicable disease health challenges. Client care and collaboration with client families is examined. Implications for practice are examined. Students will also undertake the study of Cognitive-Affective Strategies to promote resilience and well-being for their clients; including meditation and mindfulness interventions and therapies. An examination of holistic approaches in substance use recovery and smoking cessation are also presented. Sacred medicine, including current trends are presented in this course and there will be examination into the endocannabinoid system, including sacred medicine modalities. This course will also present concepts and theories on Global Holistic Nursing. Prerequisites for enrolling into this course are: 1. Must have successfully completed HN 500 and HN 510 as listed above. Course Code: HN 520. Contact hours of education: 50 hours. Course Cost: $ 175.00.

MED 300/SM 550 – Relaxation Strategies

This online Continuing education course is the foundational course in meditation theory and practice. This course provides a comprehensive overview of breath work, concentration and the physiological effects on the central nervous system. Students learn anatomy and physiology related to breathe work, as well as physiology and anatomy of the central nervous system. The focus is on learning various types of breath work, the use of concentration and mantras, and the elicitation of the relaxation response. Students will study research outcomes related to meditation and its positive effects on overall health and well-being of participants. Many disease states are reviewed, along with research oriented outcomes related to the many benefits and positive outcomes of meditation as an intervention in disease states. Students also practice and become proficient in several types of meditative techniques. Spiritual issues related to meditation are also explored. Course Code: MED 300. Education contact hours = 35. Course Cost: $ 150.00.

SM 530 – Clinical Stress Management

This online continuing education course provides a most comprehensive presentation of the theories, concepts and contemporary modalities in stress management. It continues were the introductory course, SM 500, leaves off. Students study foundational theories with greater depth of research review. There is a comprehensive presentation of stress psychophysiology as students understand and appreciate the mind-body-spirit connection in stress and stress management. Life-situations and perceptions are studied related to stress. Multiple dimensions of stress management interventions are presented and provide students with an excellent foundation for the further study of stress management modalities used in practice Spirituality and stress is also examined. Diversity in stress is examined, as well as various life and occupational situations related to stress. An in depth exploration of interventions is provided. This course also offers students a CD-Rom program that can be used with clients to conduct an interactive exploration of health and well-being. In addition, students receive additional online learning resources from the book publisher via their website. Course Code: SM 530.Contact hours of education = 30. Cost: $ 150.00.

EF 500 – The Complete EFT Training Seminar for Professional Development

This course is a comprehensive Video on Demand course and seminar that offers students a complete education and EFT training program in the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). The course is written, produced and instructed by our Executive Director, Dr. Dominick L. Flarey, who is a Certified Master EFT Practitioner, A Certified Holistic EFT Practitioner and Certified in Thought Field Therapy. This 14-hour course takes students from the very basics of EFT and energy psychology and moves from basic to intermediate to advanced concepts and techniques in EFT practice. By the completion of this education and training seminar students have a high level of proficiency in understanding and in using EFT for their professional development needs and goals. This course is also the foundational course for those who are studying in our Certification program to become Certified as Master EFT Practitioners. The course is structured in 6 Video sessions; How EFT Works, Tapping Energy, Classic EFT & Protocols, Positive EFT, Advanced Concepts, and The Experiences of EFT. Each session comes with downloadable course handouts. There are three downloadable E-Learning books provided with supplemental articles and materials on EFT for additional learning. In each of the Video lecture sessions students will experience actual EFT sessions lead by Dr. Flarey , incorporating the learning and skills being taught; from basic to advanced. This experienced based learning is a real plus in solid learning of EFT.

Course Code: EF 500. Contact hours of education = 14. Course Fee: $125.00

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Pre-requisite to enrolling in the continuing education program is that registrants must be:
- a registered nurse currently licensed to practice nursing in a state or country’s territory.

All courses are continuing education courses and are provided in online classrooms via our website. Upon enrollment a unique identification and password is provided for classroom access. The online classrooms provide full syllabi and course information, including the course exams and evaluations. Students must achieve a minimum score of 70% on the course examination to pass the continuing education courses.

Participants are given two (2) years from the date of enrollment into the first course, to complete the entire program of six (6) continuing education courses.

Upon completion of each course, you will be awarded the corresponding continuing education contact hours and receive the CEU certificate verifying course completion and the award of education credits. Registration may be completed online, by accessing the links below.

Participants must complete the entire 250 contact hours of education to be eligible to apply for certification. For information on the Holistic & Integrative Health Care Practice Certification program, access this link.

This program is not associated with the American Holistic Nurses Association, nor its certification program.

Additional Links

What is Certification?

“A certification is a third-party attestation of an individual’s level of knowledge or proficiency in a certain industry or profession. They are granted by authorities in the field, such as professional societies and universities, or by private certificate-granting agencies. Most certifications are time-limited; some expire after a period of time (e.g., the lifetime of a product that required certification for use), while others can be renewed indefinitely as long as certain requirements are met. Renewal usually requires ongoing education to remain up-to-date on advancements in the field, evidenced by earning the specified number of continuing education credits (CECs), or continuing education units (CE’s), from approved professional development courses. “ 1

Certification is an official recognition from a “Professional Organization” that one has met all of the established standards as determined by that professional organization to be conferred the specific “certification” by that professional organization. Certifications are most frequently established and conferred by “professional organizations.” Certification is thus a validation that a professional has thus achieved a high standard of knowledge, learning and skills in a specific specialty area of practice. It attests to an achievement in professional practice that is beyond that achieved for licensure. It is also specialty practice specific, rather than generic in nature.

Certification is distinctly different from ‘licensing.” Licensure is conferred /granted by the Government. In most all cases, licensure is the responsibility of the State Government. Every state has its own government agencies that oversee and confer licensure to professionals, i.e. the state boards of nursing. Licensure is established by “laws” and then specific rules and regulations which conform to the tenets of the state’s laws. Licensure is granted and over-seen by state agencies. Certification, on the other hand, is NOT licensure and is not established by any “laws.” Licensing agencies generally do not “oversee” professional certifications, unless their specific laws mandate a certain professional certification, in order to practice. An example of this would be: for a registered nurse to receive and be conferred a license as a “Nurse Practitioner” most states require that the RN also have Certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. So, in order to be licensed as a nurse practitioner, the nurse must hold certification from one of those two professional organizations. The State Board of Nursing does not oversee the certification, but rather requires it for nurse practitioner license.

Why Achieve a Certification?

“Professional certification shows consumers and potential employers that you are committed to your profession and are well-trained. It gives them confidence in your abilities and knowledge. Certification makes you more valuable to employers, so you can expect to earn more than someone without certification. Certification also offers advancement opportunities.” 2 Other compelling reasons to consider a specialty practice certification include: Acquire advanced knowledge and skills in a sub-specialty health care practice: 1) Achieve national recognition for attainment of knowledge and skills by meeting established standards of professional advanced practice, 2). Enhance and expand your health care practice, 3). Increase your marketability, 4). Be viewed as a credentialed expert in your practice specialty, and 5). Become part of a professional group and network of recognized and certified health care specialists.

Report findings published on Nurse.com revealed the following regarding Nurses that held certifications: 1). Certified nurses make more money, 2). Certified nurses have respect and recognition, 3). Certified nurses have validated competence in their specialty area, 4). Certified nurses are more marketable and hirable, 5). Certified nurses perceive they have more power in their organizations, 6). Certified nurses have more professional opportunities, 7). Certified nurses have standing among their professional peers, and 8). Certified nurses are more confident. 3

While these study finds were specific to the nursing profession, we believe such benefits are applicable to all health care professionals who hold practice specialty certifications, especially related to recognition, opportunities in employment and validated competency in their practices.

Ongoing Learning

A major hallmark of quality Certification programs is the mandate that Certified Members commit to continued learning in order to maintain their certifications. This is most generally achieved by requiring a recertification process in which certified member’s document continued learning in their practice specialty by way of continuing education. Certifying bodies will establish quality standards for the requirements for its certified members to achieve contact hours of continuing education credits in order to maintain their certification status by the organization or association. 1, 2

The American Institute of Health Care Professionals upholds this high quality standard for recertification of its members by an established program of recertification via mandatory continuing education as well as clinical practice hours over a four-year time frame. Certified members may recertify their status upon meeting the standards established for recertification of their practice specialties.

The AIHCP CE Model for Certification

The Model for Certification at the American Institute of Health Care Professionals is one based on a core curriculum of focused Continuing Education (CE) Courses. We feel strongly that the conferral of a professional certification requires the attainment of current knowledge and skills in a specialty practice and those who achieve certification should all have the same educational achievements and knowledge/skill base. We insure this by modeling our Certification programs on student’s achievements in a strong curriculum of continuing education in order to achieve our professional Certifications.

Why is continuing education important as a foundation of our model? There are several reasons why continuing education is important for health care professionals. First, it helps them keep up with the latest advances in their field. Second, it helps them maintain their skills and knowledge. Third, it helps them stay current with changes in the healthcare industry. Fourth, it helps them meet their licensure requirements. Finally, it helps them improve their patient care skills. With the rapid pace of change in the medical world, it is essential for health care professionals to keep abreast of new developments in order to provide the best possible care for their patients.

Another reason that we proposed continuing education courses as the foundation of our Certification model is that the benefits of continuing education courses are numerous. For one, they can keep you abreast of the latest developments in your field, which can be beneficial both professionally and personally. Additionally, they can help you network with other professionals in your field, which can lead to new opportunities. Finally, continuing education courses can simply be enjoyable and enriching, providing student candidates with a chance to learn new things and explore different topics.

Our model consists of several types of continuing education courses. Many of our CE courses are self-directed and self-paced with faculty-mentoring as required by the student candidates. Students utilize text books for the course and very often supplemental learning materials such as course handouts, articles and videos. Other types of courses we have include online video on demand lectures courses that provide for printable copies of the slides used in the videos.

All of our CE courses have examinations that must be successfully completed in order for students to receive credit for the courses and also receive a CE Course Certificate. Most all of the examinations on taken right online with a computerized system and are objective-type questions such as multiple choice and true/false questions. Students take the examination online and once completed receive immediate feedback of their examination score and the questions they may have missed including what the correct responses are to missed questions. Students must complete a comprehensive online course evaluation in order to receive their CE Course Certificate. Students may communicate with their course instructors regarding any questions they have about the examination both pre and post-test taking.

All of our CE Courses are approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. We are an accredited provider of continuing education for the California Board of Registered Nursing. For many of our CE Courses we also have Board of Nursing Approval by the Florida Board of Nursing and the DC Board of Nursing. As well we are a Rule Approved Provider for CE by the following Boards of Nursing: Arkansas, Georgia, South Carolina, West Virginia, Kentucky and New Mexico. The AIHCP is also an Approved Provider for Continuing Education by the South Carolina Professional Counselors, Marriage & Family Therapists and Psycho-Educational Specialists licensing board.

Upon successful completion of our CE Courses, our student candidates receive a full-sized Course CE Certificate with the full name of the course, date of completion, number of earned contact hours as well as all Board and Organizational approvals for the course. As our student candidates are generally health care professionals they have the added benefit of being able to use their earned CE Course contact hours for their State re-licensing CE requirements and many can use them for their CE requirements for recertification in other professionals organizations.

Our foundational model of CE for Certification is also based on the importance to stay current in the health care field as changes in technology and treatments occur rapidly. As a health care professional, you need to be able to provide the best possible care for your patients. Staying current also allows you to keep up with the latest guidelines and standards of care. Additionally, new research is constantly emerging that can impact patient care.

In conclusion, our foundational model of continuing education courses for certification for health care professionals is important in order to keep up with the latest advancements in health care. They also help to refresh and update the skills of those who have been working in the field for many years. All of our courses can be taken online and are self-paced for the student candidate’s easy of self-paced learning and many employers offer financial assistance to employees who enter our programs.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional_certification October 2018. Page 1.
https://www.collegetransfer.net/AskCT/WhatisProfessionalCertification/ October 2018
https://www.nurse.com/blog/2018/03/14/enjoy-the-perks-of-nurse-certification/ October 2018

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