Sacred Journeys of Nurse Healers

New opportunities for occupational therapy through the occupation of contemporary pilgrimage

Twenty-first century pilgrimage is a journey of great personal significance not limited to traditional religiosity. The transformative potential of this diverse and evolving occupation is increasingly evidence based. This opinion piece explores the definition of contemporary pilgrimage and underlines the relevance of this occupation to occupational therapists and their clients. The exceptional accessibility of contemporary pilgrimage is described, suggesting limitless opportunities for the use of pilgrimage as a therapeutic tool. Interdisciplinary examples of promoting wellbeing through contemporary pilgrimage are then presented. This opinion piece seeks to inspire a local response to this global phenomenon.

Reflection of a 7-year patient care program: implementing and sustaining an integrative hospital program

Integrative alternative therapies, also known as holistic therapies, have many applications in hospitals and health centers. These may include relaxation therapies, meditation, massage, reflexology, and Reiki or healing touch. Patients today are looking for these services, and institutions continue to explore ways to provide them without affecting their bottom line. The Integrative Cardiac Wellness Program is such a service, and its growth and longevity comes out of the personal investment of the staff to the program and to their patients. The literature review on the permanence of caring practice shows that caring about your work with patients, not just the job, is critical in longevity (Graber & Mitcham, 2004). The holistic nurses' and staff 's commitment to their professional growth within their specialty and their personal spiritual practice as experts in the field forms the backbone of the Integrative Wellness Program's success. It has been in existence for 7 years, providing integrative healing therapies to more than 7,000 patients, making it one of the most experienced. The program now serves cardiac surgery patients, and patients who have been diagnosed with cancer.

"There's just something about Ron": one nurse's healing presence amidst failing hearts

Chronic disease can be devastating to the patient, family, and nurses who care for them. Patients and family members struggle with the debilitating effects and uncertainties that abound in living with a chronic disease, such as heart failure. The nurse has a unique opportunity to foster a therapeutic relationship through the use of nursing presence. The phenomenon of nursing presence has been defined in the literature by six features: uniqueness, connecting with the patient's experience, sensing, going beyond the scientific data, knowing (what will work and when to act), and being with the patient. Nursing presence, when exhibited, may facilitate healing, promote comfort, and improve patient satisfaction. The story in the article depicts how one professional nurse in a heart failure clinic exemplified the nurse as a healing presence. Through his example, nurses may better understand the significance that their presence may have when caring for patients diagnosed with a chronic illness.