Recently, I had to undergo a stereotactic core breast biopsy procedure. The procedure, about 45 minutes long, was a scary one for me — not only because of the fear of pain, but also the possible diagnosis that might result from the findings. While the breast specialist and the radiology technician were busy plotting their course within my breast, the attending nurse monitored my vital signs. As part of her care, she gently massaged my right arm, then my back, and my neck. Feeling that she was fully present for me was a great comfort. It increased my ability to relax and helped to get me through the procedure.

Increasingly, nurses are looking for ways to enhance their care in spite of often-limited time. The nurse who cared for me used massage, one of the many complementary therapies nurses can use within the scope of their traditional practice. And as the consumer demand for complementary care grows, some nurses are developing their independent alternative therapy practices or working as part of a complementary care team in a variety of settings.

A Natural Evolution

Mary Jane Ott, RN, ANP, views this trend as a natural evolution. “One of the wonderful things about nursing is that we’ve all been trained to be holistic,” says Ott, who serves as the mind-body team member of the Pain and Palliative Care Program at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA. “We want to be fully present, and we already have a therapeutic sense of self.” Ott also works with children with cancer at the Zakin Center for Integrated Care. Using complementary therapies, she believes, is simply coming home — home to where nursing was before issues like higher patient loads, increased technology, sicker patients, and more time constraints interfered with the holistic approach.

In her practice, Ott uses guided imagery, mindful meditation, therapeutic touch, and massage. “We want to bring whatever will be most healing to our patients,” she says. “Even during a catastrophic illness, even during dying, there is always a chance for healing.”

By diminishing suffering, she adds, it’s possible to make a great difference to patients. “I was asked to see a young woman who was dying. Although she was receiving all kinds of support, she was waking up at night, frightened and worried about her small children. We talked about how she could use the time that she was awake during the night. As a mother, she wanted to provide safe passage for her children. I suggested that she consider a blessing she could offer to her children in a loving, compassionate way. Then, bring a vivid image of her children’s faces to her mind and bless them, perhaps using the words, “May you be safe and happy.” By doing this, each time the fear came, she could acknowledge and use it in a positive way — a way that gave her comfort.”

A Powerful Combination

In 1982, Nancy De Lucia, RN, BA, began using therapeutic touch in conjunction with her traditional nursing care. “I found that therapeutic touch is a wonderful modality, not only in home care, but also in the hospital. It can be a wonderful part of your nursing practice.”

De Lucia now has a private practice, called AngelWing Enterprises in Hopewell Junction, NY. Her primary intervention is still therapeutic touch, but she also uses herbs, reflexology, and Reiki. A member of Nurse Healers Professional Associates International, she has used therapeutic touch in a variety of settings, including pre and postsurgical units, for grief counseling, and during childbirth, with success. “The skill I use depends on what seems appropriate for each client,” De Lucia says.

Whatever method she employs, she still integrates her nursing skills in her practice. “I take vital signs and physically assess,” she says. “If I pick up physical symptoms, I am quick to refer to a physician.” She cautions that nurses must be aware of their own boundaries. The basis of her practice, she adds, is education and self-care. “I want to empower people to be able to handle their own care.”

Often, she receives referral for individuals with chronic illnesses who have been through the gamut of traditional treatment without any significant lessening of symptoms. “An RN came to me with complaints of chronic fatigue, headaches, depression, and joint and muscle pain. She had been to many physicians and was on multiple medications. I first did a nursing intake, and then discussed her diet, food allergies, and I offered some suggestions. I used therapeutic touch, which helped her to be profoundly relaxed, giving her a way to know how her body felt when relaxed. This was very important because she was anxious and in pain. I saw her weekly for two months, then biweekly for another month. She began to understand her set of symptoms, and she made life and career changes through her own insights. After the third visit, her headaches stopped.”

Like De Lucia, Ann McKay, RN, C, MA, DIHom, HNC, in her private practice, entitled Healthwize, in Attleboro, MA, receives many referrals for those with chronic conditions. “A majority of my clients seek alternative modalities as a last resort, having exhausted all traditional medicine therapy first,” she says. This, she believes is not optimal for the client. “Integrating both complementary and conventional approaches from the outset,” says McKay, “is something that would prove efficacious for our clients’ well-being.”

Is Complementary Care for You?

If your interest in complementary therapy is piqued, you may wonder which therapy is best for you. “I believe it’s imperative that nurses in all specialty areas become cognizant of complementary and alternative modalities and how they can impact their specialty,” McKay says. “Then if you wish to integrate a particular modality, look for further education and proficiency in that area.”

McKay chose homeopathy — an area in which she says she always had an interest. She uses breathing exercises as a relaxation technique and guided imagery. After attending a complementary care conference, she incorporated the use of magnets with massage. “I experienced firsthand the effectiveness of this therapy. They were offering free magnetic massage, and it gave me a sensation of tension rolling off my back.”

One of the tenets of complementary nursing, McKay adds, is to look at what you need to do in your own life for balance and self-care. This may point the way to the right modality for you.

In addition to learning about different therapies, Ott suggests networking. There are many associations and websites that offer information about various therapies, available workshops, and educational programs. “Do an informational interview with nurses who use complementary therapy and find out what education and training is needed. Then follow your passion.”

Looking into the Future

Ott believes that the opportunity for great growth in the use of complementary care nursing is now. “It’s a critical time, and we need to move forward in a scientific way to be recognized.” Nursing research, she adds, is key to providing evidence-based research.

Although most alternative treatments are not presently covered by healthcare insurance, those who practice independently are optimistic that this coverage will eventually be provided. “Consumers are demanding more alternative methods,” says McKay. “Other countries, like England, already reimburse for alternative methods.”

While the relationship between mind and body is not yet fully understood, there is definite evidence, both through anecdotal information and research, that indicates these therapies are effective. Complementary care can enhance your nursing practice and may lead to new and exciting career opportunities.