Holistic Nurse Academy Podcast

Holistic Nurse Academy
  • 5.0 (2)
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The Holistic Nurse Academy trains medical professionals to bridge Eastern and Western medicine. Through modalities like essential oils, sound healing, and acupressure, nurses become empowered "option givers". The curriculum emphasizes "healing presence"—prioritizing authentic connection and responsible energy—to significantly reduce patient pain and anxiety. This approach aims to restore the "human touch" to healthcare while combating nurse burnout through community and self-care.

  1. 1d ago

    Stitch by Stitch: How Knitting Helped Alice O’Connell Heal Through Breast Cancer

    A conversation with Alice O’Connell, self-taught knitting instructor with over 20 years of teaching experience, on using slow crafts for nervous system regulation and for coping through cancer treatment. We cover the somatic mechanics of knitting as an accessible alternative to seated meditation, unlearning clinical perfectionism in your own restorative routines, and the value of whole-person communication during oncology procedures. Drawing on her breast cancer treatment at the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Alice shares how rhythmic handcrafts ease acute anxiety, protect patient identity during medical trauma, and stimulate neuroplasticity. Between demanding shifts, back-to-back tasks, and constant alarms, do you find it nearly impossible to quiet your mind with traditional meditation? Telling an overstimulated nervous system to “sit still and breathe” often backfires into frustration and cognitive loops. Slow, tactile crafts like knitting act as a physical pause button, giving your hands a purposeful, rhythmic task that lowers sympathetic tone, down-regulates cortisol, and creates a restorative boundary between your personal identity and your clinical role. In this conversation:Understanding the grounding effects of fiber arts helps you become an informed option-giver for patients facing treatment-induced anxiety, forced immobility, or acute stress. Instead of relying only on sedatives or passive scrolling, you can offer tactile slow crafts as practical self-management tools. This benefits oncology patients through long infusions or hair loss who need a focus that reclaims identity beyond their diagnosis, post-surgical or chronically ill patients losing fine motor autonomy during bed rest, and colleagues on night shifts looking for portable, screen-free ways to decompress on short breaks. Listen now to discover how slow crafts can reset your nervous system after high-acuity shifts and expand the self-regulation tools you share with patients. FAQQ: How does knitting help nurses regulate their nervous system?A: Knitting is a rhythmic, bilateral tactile task that acts as a physical pause button, lowering sympathetic tone and down-regulating cortisol. It’s an accessible alternative to seated meditation for overstimulated clinicians coming off high-stress shifts. Q: Who is Alice O’Connell?A: Alice O’Connell is a self-taught knitting instructor with over 20 years of teaching experience and founder of Learn to Knit Online. She shares insights from her own breast cancer treatment at the Netherlands Cancer Institute. Q: How can nurses use slow crafts to support oncology patients?A: Nurses can offer slow crafts as non-pharmacological self-management tools to help patients cope with treatment-induced anxiety, hair loss, and forced immobility. Tactile handwork helps patients preserve their identity outside of a diagnosis. Q: Why is knitting an effective alternative to seated meditation for clinicians?A: Clinical work keeps the nervous system in high sympathetic arousal, so quiet seated meditation can feel frustrating. Repetitive handwork gives busy hands a purposeful focus, breaking cognitive loops and easing perfectionism. GuestAlice O’Connell is a knitting instructor with over two decades of teaching experience and the founder of Learn to Knit Online. Drawing on her breast cancer treatment at the Netherlands Cancer Institute, she brings deep insight into somatic healing and patient autonomy. Connect with UsWebsite: https://holisticnurseacademy.org #nursingeducation #holisticnursing #integrativehealth

  2. Oct 19

    Thai Massage for Nurses: Integrating Eastern Touch Modalities

    This is a recorded conversation with Janet Peacock, Licensed Massage Therapist, on Thai massage and manual lymphatic drainage for nurses and healthcare professionals. The discussion covers the ancient history and philosophy of Thai massage, its correlation with yoga, and its adaptability for diverse patient needs, including bedbound individuals and post-surgical recovery. Janet Peacock, an instructor with over 26 years of experience, shares insights from her extensive training in Thailand, where she leads a Thai government-certified 150-hour program. The conversation also explores a specific manual lymphatic drainage comfort protocol applicable in clinical settings. As a nurse seeking effective, non-pharmacological interventions to enhance patient comfort and your professional practice, this conversation offers invaluable perspectives. Discover how ancient Eastern touch modalities can seamlessly integrate into modern healthcare, providing you with practical skills to address patient pain, stiffness, and discomfort. In this conversation: This discussion empowers you to become an option-giver, educating patients on complementary approaches to their care plan. You can integrate gentle Thai massage stretches or the manual lymphatic drainage comfort protocol to assist patients experiencing post-surgical swelling, bedbound stiffness, or chronic pain such as sciatica and low back discomfort. These skills provide valuable non-pharmacological tools to enhance comfort and support healing, even while patients await medication or prefer alternative interventions. Listen now to explore how these ancient practices can enhance your clinical toolkit and bring renewed purpose to your nursing career. FAQ Q: What is Thai massage for nurses?A: Thai massage is an ancient Eastern touch modality deeply correlated with yoga, adaptable for diverse patient needs. Nurses can integrate gentle stretches and pressure to improve comfort and mobility in clinical settings. Q: How can nurses use Thai massage in their practice?A: Nurses can integrate gentle Thai massage stretches to assist patients experiencing post-surgical swelling, bedbound stiffness, or chronic pain such as sciatica and low back discomfort. It provides valuable non-pharmacological tools for comfort and healing. Q: What is manual lymphatic drainage and its application for nurses?A: Manual lymphatic drainage is a specific comfort protocol discussed in this conversation, applicable in clinical settings. It helps nurses address patient swelling, bruising, and discomfort, especially post-surgery or injury, supporting overall physical well-being. Q: Who is Janet Peacock?A: Janet Peacock is a Licensed Massage Therapist with over 26 years of experience and an instructor who leads a Thai government-certified 150-hour program in Thailand. She shares insights on Eastern touch modalities and their therapeutic applications. Q: What will nurses learn from this conversation?A: Nurses will learn to seamlessly integrate ancient Eastern touch modalities like Thai massage and manual lymphatic drainage into modern healthcare. This empowers them with practical skills to address patient pain, stiffness, and discomfort. Q: How does this course enhance a nurse's clinical toolkit?A: This conversation empowers nurses to become 'option-givers,' educating patients on complementary approaches to their care plan. It provides valuable non-pharmacological tools to enhance comfort and support healing, even while patients await medication or prefer alternative interventions.About JanetJanet Peacock is a Licensed Massage Therapist with over 26 years of experience, renowned for her expertise in Thai massage. She leads a Thai government-certified 150-hour program in Thailand, offering profound insights into Eastern touch modalities for healthcare professionals.Connect with Holistic Nurse Academy https://holisticnurseacademy.org

  3. Oct 12

    You Can't Left-Brain a Baby: A Nurse's Path to Hypnosis

    This is a recorded conversation with Alexandrea Lettieri, BSN, RN, CHt, RYT-200, a certified hypnosis specialist and HypnoFertility practitioner, on integrating hypnosis with nursing care for nurses and healthcare professionals. The discussion explores how principles of Eastern and Western medicine can blend, focusing on the spiritual dimensions of health and the application of hypnotherapy in patient care. Clinicians will understand how to leverage their foundational nursing skills, such as care planning and patient assessment, within complementary modalities. Lettieri shares her journey from a Johns Hopkins float nurse and travel nurse to developing expertise in past life regression and Life Between Lives therapy, having trained with a former president of the Michael Newton Institute. Are you a nurse ready to explore innovative ways to blend your clinical expertise with deeper spiritual principles? This conversation offers invaluable insights into expanding your practice beyond conventional bedside care, empowering you to connect with patients on a more profound, human level. In this conversation, you will learn: This knowledge can empower you to expand your role as an option-giver for patients seeking alternatives or complements to conventional care. Nurses can apply these insights when supporting patients experiencing chronic stress, fertility challenges, or those navigating end-of-life considerations, where spiritual and emotional support are paramount. Understanding these modalities allows you to educate patients more thoroughly and integrate a more human-centered and spiritually aware approach into your everyday interactions. Tune in now to discover how to merge your nursing expertise with expanded states of consciousness, creating a more fulfilling and impactful healthcare career.

  4. Oct 5

    Faith as Medicine: A Nurse Practitioner's Holistic Calling

    This is a recorded conversation with Sharon Lemoine, a Nurse Practitioner (NP), on integrating faith-based holistic care and entrepreneurial practice development for nurses and healthcare professionals. Lemoine, with 18 years as an RN and 7 years as an NP in emergency medicine, discusses her transition from corporate healthcare to building a successful private practice specializing in weight loss, hormone optimization, and functional medicine. The conversation covers her personal health journey with Type 1 Diabetes, surgical menopause, and thyroid disease, illustrating how these experiences inform her patient-centered approach. Clinicians will understand the value of a comprehensive, personalized healthcare model and the practical application of therapies like GLP1s, advanced hormone optimization, and peptide therapy within a holistic framework. Are you a nurse or healthcare professional feeling limited by corporate healthcare's constraints? Discover how you can blend advanced medical therapies with a deeply personal, faith-based approach to empower your patients and build a thriving private practice. Learn from Nurse Practitioner Sharon Lemoine as she shares her journey of defying medical expectations and creating a healthcare model that prioritizes comprehensive wellness and patient empowerment. In this conversation, you will learn: This conversation offers critical perspectives for nurses seeking to become option-givers for their patients beyond traditional corporate healthcare models. By understanding the holistic framework presented, you can empower patients to take control of their health through preventative medicine, lifestyle changes, and integrative therapies. Consider applying these insights when working with patients struggling with chronic metabolic conditions like Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension, or hyperlipidemia who feel unheard by the conventional system. Additionally, patients experiencing perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms, gut health issues, or those seeking to optimize overall body composition can benefit from a provider who offers a more comprehensive, personalized, and faith-integrated approach. Listen now to be inspired by a proven model of patient-centered care and explore the possibilities of building a practice that aligns with your professional values and offers true healing. FAQ Q: Who is Sharon Lemoine? A: Sharon Lemoine is a Nurse Practitioner (NP) with 18 years as an RN and 7 years as an NP in emergency medicine, who transitioned from corporate healthcare to building a successful private practice. She integrates faith-based holistic care and entrepreneurial practice development.Q: What will nurses learn from this conversation? A: Nurses will learn to blend advanced medical therapies with a deeply personal, faith-based approach to empower patients and build a thriving private practice. The conversation covers the clinical application of therapies like GLP1s, advanced hormone optimization, and peptide therapy.Q: What specializations does Sharon Lemoine's private practice focus on? A: Her private practice specializes in weight loss, hormone optimization, and functional medicine. She draws on her personal health journey with Type 1 Diabetes, surgical menopause, and thyroid disease to inform her patient-centered approach.Q: How can nurses apply these insights in patient care? A: Nurses can become option-givers for their patients, offering preventative medicine, lifestyle changes, and integrative therapies. These insights are valuable for patients with chronic metabolic conditions, perimenopausal/menopausal symptoms, gut health issues, or those seeking body composition optimization.Q: What is the core philosophy of Lemoine's healthcare model? A: Lemoine's model prioritizes a comprehensive, personalized, and faith-integrated approach to healthcare. It aims to empower patients to take control of their health beyond the constraints often found in traditional corporate healthcare.

  5. Sep 28

    Leaving the Hospital: A Nurse's Journey of Healing and Growth

    This is a recorded conversation with Miriam Barger, RN, on a nurse's journey of healing and growth after leaving the hospital, for nurses and healthcare professionals. Barger, with 13 years of nursing experience including frontline COVID care and international disaster response, details the emotional and professional impact of her experiences. The conversation explores the challenges of hospital administration, the importance of professional boundaries, and the transformative power of self-care. Clinicians will gain insight into the profound effects of high-stress nursing environments on personal well-being and career longevity. Are you a nurse grappling with the emotional toll of your work, considering a career change, or struggling with boundaries in demanding healthcare settings? This episode offers a candid look into one nurse's journey of navigating the complexities of acute care, disaster response, and personal healing. Hear how Miriam Barger, RN, confronted burnout and found new avenues for self-discovery and continued impact outside traditional hospital walls. In this conversation: The insights shared in this conversation are clinically relevant for any nurse facing burnout, questioning their career path, or seeking to establish healthier boundaries in their professional life. This dialogue empowers you to understand the critical link between personal well-being and effective patient care, serving as an option-giver for yourself and advocating for systemic changes that support nurse mental health. Consider the impact on a nurse struggling with the moral injury of inadequate resources, or a seasoned clinician seeking to find new purpose after years in high-acuity settings. Tune in to this powerful conversation to find validation for your own experiences and inspiration for a more authentic, sustainable nursing career. ## What you will walk away with:* - Strategies for managing emotional toll in high-stress nursing environments.* - Insights into advocating for professional boundaries and personal well-being.* - Inspiration for career transition and applying nursing skills beyond traditional roles.* - Understanding the role of self-care and somatic therapy in healing workplace trauma.### About the InstructorMiriam Barger, RN, BSN, MSN, is an experienced nurse with 13 years in acute care, including frontline COVID and international disaster response. She shares her personal journey to help clinicians prioritize well-being and find sustainable paths in nursing.### Connecthttps://holisticnurseacademy.org##Frequently Asked Questions### Who is Miriam Barger?Miriam Barger is an RN, BSN, MSN, with 13 years of nursing experience, including frontline COVID care and international disaster response. She is featured in this conversation detailing her journey of healing and growth.### What will nurses learn from this episode?Nurses will gain insight into managing the emotional toll of high-stress environments, navigating career transitions, advocating for professional boundaries, and healing from trauma and burnout through self-reflection and somatic therapy.### How does this episode address nurse burnout?The episode provides a candid look into one nurse's confrontation with burnout, discussing systemic pressures, the necessity of professional boundaries, and the transformative power of self-care and somatic therapy for healing workplace trauma.#nursingeducation #holisticnursing #integrativehealth

  6. Sep 20

    Becoming a Holistic Nurse Entrepreneur

    This is a recorded conversation with Alexandra Brisky, a nurse entrepreneur, on "Becoming a Holistic Nurse Entrepreneur" for nurses and healthcare professionals. The discussion explores Brisky's career transition from various traditional nursing roles, including TCU, LTAC, acute care, home care, and chronic care management, to establishing her own private nursing practice. Listeners will learn about the motivations, challenges, and successes of creating an independent, community-based nursing business. Brisky shares insights from her seven years of nursing experience, detailing the legal frameworks that enable private practice and strategies for building a sustainable client base. If you are a nurse feeling constrained by the current healthcare system and envision a path where you can provide more personalized, patient-centered care, this conversation is for you. Discover how to leverage your clinical expertise to create an independent practice that fills critical gaps in community health.What you will learn:This content empowers nurses to redefine their professional role, offering viable alternatives to conventional care pathways. Apply these insights to provide comprehensive support for patients managing multiple chronic conditions, navigating complex medical systems, or seeking holistic health guidance within their own homes and communities. Listen now to explore how an entrepreneurial mindset can transform your nursing career, allowing you to deliver meaningful, accessible care while fostering trust within your community. About Alexandra Brisky Alexandra Brisky, a registered nurse since 2017, shares her journey from diverse clinical roles to founding a community-based nursing service. Her experience underscores the power of patient-centered care and offers valuable insights into navigating state regulations for autonomous practice. FAQQ: What is a holistic nurse entrepreneur? A: A holistic nurse entrepreneur establishes their own private nursing business, focusing on patient-centered care and addressing gaps in conventional healthcare. They leverage clinical expertise to provide personalized, community-based services. Q: Who is Alexandra Brisky, RN? A: Alexandra Brisky, RN, is a registered nurse and independent practitioner who has been a nurse since 2017. She founded a community-based nursing service and emphasizes patient-centered care. Q: What will nurses learn about in this conversation? A: Nurses will learn how to leverage state licensure for independent practice, identify healthcare gaps, develop community-based nursing models, and navigate financial and insurance complexities. They will also gain insights into strategic networking. Q: How can independent nurses help patients? A: Independent nurses can function as vital care coordinators and patient advocates, offering direct access and tailored care plans. This is particularly beneficial for elderly patients with multiple chronic conditions or those needing home-based support to prevent hospital readmissions. Q: What challenges of nurse entrepreneurship are discussed?A: The conversation addresses managing fluctuating client loads, financial planning, prioritizing self-care to avoid burnout, and navigating professional insurance complexities, including malpractice and commercial auto insurance for independent practice.#nursingeducation #holisticnursing #integrativehealth

  7. Sep 8

    Holistic in Heart: Nurturing Whole-Person Care in Practice

    Dive into holistic care for nurses with Lori LaFlower, RN, discussing whole-person patient advocacy and navigating systemic challenges. This conversation empowers nurses to integrate practical holistic principles like nutrition, movement, and sleep into daily practice. Lori LaFlower, with 16 years of nursing experience, shares insights into delivering patient-centered care despite constraints. Hosted by Holly Taylor, RN, a board-certified holistic nurse, this discussion explores the practical application of holistic principles, the impact of diet and exercise on health outcomes, and the evolving landscape of patient expectations.

  8. Aug 31

    Launching Your Nurse Coaching Business: An Entrepreneurial Journey

    This is a recorded conversation with Jennifer Marie Schroer, RN, Board-Certified Nurse Coach, on launching a nurse coaching business for nurses and healthcare professionals. The discussion outlines her entrepreneurial journey from bedside and travel nursing to health IT, then to establishing her own nurse coaching practice, eventually adopting a hybrid model. The conversation covers the practical aspects of becoming a certified nurse coach, setting up a business, building community support, and the real-time application of nurse coaching principles, particularly for midlife women's health. Jennifer Marie Schroer leverages 28 years of nursing experience and her nurse coaching certification to explain how nurses can transition their skills into successful independent practice. Are you a nurse feeling the entrepreneurial itch, dreaming of full creative control over your practice, or seeking to make a difference beyond the traditional bedside? This conversation speaks directly to you, providing practical insights and inspiration for launching and sustaining your own nurse coaching business and empowering your clients. In this conversation: Nurse Coaching Career Path: Discover Jennifer Marie Schroer’s unique journey from diverse nursing roles to becoming a successful board-certified nurse coach and business owner.Building a Nurse Coaching Business: Learn about the entrepreneurial process, including training through the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy (INCA), navigating challenges, and developing a hybrid practice model.Real-Time Nurse Coaching Application: Understand how nurse coaching utilizes lifestyle medicine, pillars of health, and awareness processes in virtual sessions to help clients achieve their health goals.Niche Focus on Midlife Women: Explore the specifics of coaching midlife women through the perimenopause to menopause transition, addressing symptoms like sleep disturbances, anxiety, and metabolic health.Client Empowerment & Advocacy: Gain strategies for guiding clients in self-advocacy with healthcare providers, making informed health decisions, and distinguishing between reliable information and health myths.Business Logistics & Billing: Discuss practical considerations such as utilizing a compact nursing license for virtual coaching, structuring client packages, and understanding HSA/FSA coverage for services.This discussion is highly relevant for nurses in clinical practice who are looking to expand their roles as option-givers, educating patients on integrative approaches to wellness and preventative health strategies. You can apply this knowledge when discussing lifestyle modifications with patients struggling with chronic conditions, supporting women navigating hormonal shifts, or guiding individuals seeking greater agency in their healthcare journey. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on leveraging your nursing expertise in innovative ways and contributing to the future of person-centered care. In this conversation:00:00 - Introduction03:30 - Entrepreneurial Journey12:00 - Building a Hybrid Practice22:00 - Nurse Coaching in Real-Time34:00 - Community Support for Nurse Coaches45:00 - Patient Advocacy & Agency Jennifer Marie Schroer, RN, is a Board-Certified Nurse Coach and seasoned entrepreneur with 28 years of nursing experience. Her background includes bedside care and health IT, informing her holistic approach to health and wellness. Jennifer guides nurses toward professional satisfaction and greater impact through coaching.Link to Holistic Nurse Academy Website & Courseshttps://holisticnurseacademy.orgLink to Jennifer's Website Link to Jennifer's Websitehttps://www.claritywellnesscoach.com/#nursecoaching #nurselife #entrepreneurialnurse #holistichealth #patientadvocacy

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About

The Holistic Nurse Academy trains medical professionals to bridge Eastern and Western medicine. Through modalities like essential oils, sound healing, and acupressure, nurses become empowered "option givers". The curriculum emphasizes "healing presence"—prioritizing authentic connection and responsible energy—to significantly reduce patient pain and anxiety. This approach aims to restore the "human touch" to healthcare while combating nurse burnout through community and self-care.

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