Who We Are

Holistic nursing is defined as all nursing practice that has healing the whole person as its goal. (AHNA, 1998)

As the definitive voice for holistic nursing, the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA)  promotes the education of nurses, other health care professionals, and the public in all aspects of holistic caring and healing.  AHNA is a non-profit membership association serving more than 5,700 members and 160 local chapters/networks across the U.S. and abroad.

In December of 2006, due to the efforts of AHNA, holistic nursing was recognized as an “official nursing specialty” by the American Nurses Association, with its own defined scope and standards of practice.  Read more about our accomplishments and activities.
AHNA serves as a bridge between conventional healthcare and complementary/alternative healing practices.  As health care professionals, holistic nurses may integrate complementary and alternative modalities (CAM) into clinical practice to treat the whole person and view healing as a partnership between a person seeking treatment and their practitioner.

AHNA Goals

• To provide continuing education in holistic nursing
• To help to improve the health care workplace by promoting the  incorporation of the concepts of holistic nursing 
• To educate professionals and the public about holistic nursing and integrative health care
• To serve as a resource to members
• To promote research and scholarship in the field of holistic nursing

"The words 'Holistic Nursing' mean  nursing the whole person in the ways of Nightingale….fresh air, fresh food and water, spiritual sustenance, and mental and emotional support leading to clarity for the one being cared for." -- AHNA member Julie Nelson RN, HN-BC