Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
Vol. 46 No. 10 October 2008
Integrative Holism in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing
Rothlyn P. Zahourek, PhD, PMHCNS-BC, AHN-BC
ABSTRACT
In this era of high-tech care, many Americans seek more holistic approaches and alternative and complementary treatments for health problems, including mental illness. Psychiatric-mental health (PMH) nurses need to be aware of these approaches as they assess clients, maintain a holistic approach, and in some cases, provide skilled, specific modalities. This article reviews holistic philosophy and integrative approaches relevant to PMH nurses. The emphasis is that whichever modality PMH nurses practice, a holistic framework is essential for providing optimal PMH care.
AUTHOR
Dr. Zahourek is a Psychotherapist in private practice; Adjunct Faculty, University of Massachusetts School of Nursing, Amherst, Massachusetts; and Coordinator for Research, American Holistic Nursing Association.
The author discloses that she has no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Rothlyn P. Zahourek, PhD, PMHCNS-BC, AHN-BC, 23 Lake Drive, Belchertown, MA 01007; e-mail: rorryz@aol.com.
Music Listening: Its Effects in Creating a Healing Environment
Ruth McCaffrey, DNP, ARNP-BC
ABSTRACT
Older adults face challenges in function, cognition, and isolation as they age. Nurses are responsible for providing a healing environment to promote health and well-being. Music listening is an intervention that could be used to facilitate a healing environment. This article provides examples of evidence that music can improve the healing environment for older adults, both physiologically and psychologically. Music can connect individuals with their emotions and bring about a sense of self-awareness that improves the quality of life for older adults. Music is a safe, inexpensive, and easy-to-use intervention that nurses can implement independently to help older adults cope with pain, acute confusion, and functional deficits. Examples of ways nurses can use music to provide a healing environment are also included.
AUTHOR
Dr. McCaffrey is Associate Professor, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida.
The author discloses that she has no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Ruth McCaffrey, DNP, ARNP-BC, Associate Professor, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431; e-mail: rmccaffr@fau.edu.
Healing Scents: An Overview of Clinical Aromatherapy for Emotional Distress
Andrea Butje, LMT; Elizabeth Repede, MS, APRN-BC, FNP, CMH; and Mona M. Shattell, PhD, RN
ABSTRACT
Individuals in emotional distress are often treated with psychotherapeutic agents, but other treatment options exist. One safe and effective adjunct for the prevention and treatment of emotional distress is aromatherapy. This article describes the physiological effects of scent, reviews the research on aromatherapy, presents practical information on the use of clinical aromatherapy for emotional distress, and suggests resources for additional training and education.
AUTHORS
Ms. Butje is Clinical Aromatherapist; Aromatherapy Educator; Essential Oil Importer; Owner, Aromahead Institute (NAHA-approved Aromatherapy Institute); and Owner, Aromatics International (International Internet store for essential oils), Sarasota, Florida. Ms. Repede is a doctoral student, and Dr. Shattell is Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, School of Nursing, Greensboro, North Carolina.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Mona M. Shattell, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, School of Nursing, PO Box 26170, Moore Building 320, Greensboro, NC 27402; e-mail: mona.shattell@gmail.com.
