Title : Whole nurse, whole system: Advancing nursing holistic care across an integrated health system
Abstract:
As nurse leaders, we recognize that the well-being of nurses and nurse leaders is inseparable from the quality, safety, and compassion of the care provided. In response to increasing complexity of care delivery and reported workforce fatigue or distress, our organization is intentionally growing a comprehensive Nursing Holistic Care Program designed to support nurses and nurse leaders across the continuum of practice in care for themselves and the patients and communities they serve. This program is grounded in holistic nursing principles, professional governance, and evidence-based well-being strategies, aligning with the organization’s Professional Nursing Practice Model and standards of the ANA Nursing Holistic Care Scope and Standards of Practice, with the goal of sustaining a thriving and flourishing nursing workforce and overall population health. Central to this initiative is the establishment of dedicated leadership and infrastructure. We have created and hired a system Program Director of Nursing Holistic Care to provide strategic oversight, alignment with organizational priorities, and accountability for outcomes. This spiritual and chaplaincy trained program director reports to nursing and partners closely with nursing executive leadership, human resources, the system Office of Well-being, interdisciplinary teams, and academic partners to embed nurse well-being into operational and cultural practices. In addition, an APRN Clinical Nurse Specialist was hired to support these efforts, with a focus of integrative health and healing practices for nurses caring for patients, and will champion evidence-based interventions, nursing education, and integration of holistic modalities into clinical practice, professional development, and care delivery models. To ensure shared ownership and sustainability, a system Nursing Holistic Care and Well-Being Council has been implemented within our professional governance structure. This council is led by clinical direct-care nurses and includes nurse leaders, advanced practice nurses, interprofessional colleagues, and academic partners. The council guides strategy, evaluates outcomes, recommends policies and standards, and amplifies the voice of nurses in shaping a culture of well-being and whole self. Through professional governance, nurses actively codesign solutions that address physical, emotional, spiritual, and professional dimensions of wellness. Recognizing the critical role of leadership in shaping culture, we have implemented both Nurse Leader and Clinical Nurse Wellness Retreats. These retreats focus on resilience, self-awareness, restorative practices, and skills for leading and caring with compassion and authenticity. By investing in the well-being of nurse leaders and clinical experts, we strengthen their capacity to support selves and teams, model healthy behaviors, care for others, and foster psychologically safe work environments. Infusing a holistic nursing culture across the system is a foundational aim of this program. Holistic principles such as presence, intentional caring, selfcare, and healing environments are being integrated into onboarding, competency development, daily huddles, academic relationships, and recognition practices. Education and experiential learning will normalize well-being as a professional responsibility rather than an individual burden. As part of our commitment to excellence, we are actively pursuing the ANCC Well-Being Credential, aligning our structures, processes, and outcomes with national standards. This journey reflects our belief that caring for nurses is essential to caring for patients and communities, and that a holistic approach is key to sustaining the future of nursing.
