My father never really understood my work as a holistic
nurse. He would look at me as if I was talking flimflam. Part
of this challenge and my frustration was his lack of desire to
try something new. Dad utilized chemotherapy to manage
his symptoms, but I offered CAM therapies to assist in the
management of side effects. He would have nothing to do
with this, so I was drawn back to the core of what holistic
nursing care truly is.
“The human caring process in which the holistic
nurse gives full attention and intention to the
whole self of a person, not merely the current
presenting symptoms, illness, crisis, or tasks to
be accomplished, and that includes reinforcing
the person’s meaning and experience of oneness
and unity; the condition of trust that is created
in which holistic care can be given and received”
(AHNA & ANA, 2013, p. 90).
Utilizing holistic assessment, I was able to identify
patterns, challenges, and needs from which we drew meaning
and understanding of his health and disease experience. Dad’s
perception about cancer treatment was very different from my
own. I had been working in pediatric oncology for six years
and had worked with many families through challenging
treatment regimens, assisting them to find ways to stay
connected and enjoy what time they had left together. Dad
remembered his mother’s long and painful journey through
cancer at a time when home IV morphine was not available.
She was blessed to have home nurses 24/7 and remained in her
own home surrounded by familiar things. Still, she wasted away
from a robust, passionate, full-bodied woman to a thin, frail
woman constantly in pain. Those home care nurses inspired
me to become a nurse. Dad and I had a discussion early on
before any treatment began about his memories of that time.
Though I was still encouraging him to try fighting the cancer,
I explained hospice and what they could offer him and the
family. I explained that pain medications had come a long
way. He would be able to receive medication by IV at home
for pain control. We would work together to ensure he was
as comfortable as possible if it came to that end. This mutual
understanding assisted in forming his therapeutic plan of care.