Education

Holistic Nurse Academy Podcast

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.

Latest Episodes:

Leaving the Hospital: A Nurse's Journey of Healing and Growth Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

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

Becoming a Holistic Nurse Entrepreneur Sep 20, 2026

Show notes

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

Holistic in Heart: Nurturing Whole-Person Care in Practice Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

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.

Launching Your Nurse Coaching Business: An Entrepreneurial Journey Aug 31, 2026

Show notes

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

A Holistic Path: From Microbiology to Integrative Nursing Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

This is a recorded conversation with Elizabeth Monson, Nurse Practitioner and Fellow of Integrative Medicine, on her pioneering journey in holistic nursing for nurses and healthcare professionals. Monson details her transition from microbiology to nursing, and her extensive training in traditional Chinese medicine, applied healing arts, and integrative medicine. She discusses developing and implementing successful integrative therapy programs within conventional hospital settings, highlighting acupressure and Reiki for pain and anxiety management. Monson provides insights from her 30+ years of experience, emphasizing evidence-based outcomes and strategies for integrating complementary modalities.

Have you ever felt the push to go beyond conventional care, but wondered how to truly integrate holistic practices into your clinical role? Elizabeth Monson, a pioneering nurse practitioner, shares her inspiring path and practical strategies for empowering nurses to blend traditional Western medicine with effective integrative modalities. Discover how you can leverage techniques like acupressure and cultivate a healing presence to enhance patient outcomes and improve provider satisfaction.

What you will learn:

This conversation equips nurses with the knowledge to champion integrative care within their practice, offering patients evidence-based alternatives and complements to conventional treatments. You will feel more confident discussing options for pain management beyond opioids, providing comfort to sundowning patients without chemical restraints, and guiding individuals toward a balanced approach to medication and supplements. Apply these insights in diverse settings, from acute care to chronic disease management, empowering patients to actively participate in their healing journey.

Listen now to discover how integrating these simple, powerful techniques can elevate your nursing practice and contribute to a more humane, connected healthcare system. Explore the Acupressure for Nurses course by Elizabeth Monson at HolisticNurseAcademy.org to learn practical protocols for immediate use.

Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: Who is Elizabeth Monson, NP?
A: Elizabeth Monson is a Nurse Practitioner with decades of experience and specialized credentials in integrative medicine, including being a Fellow of Integrative Medicine. She shares her holistic path from microbiology to integrative nursing in this conversation.

Q: What integrative therapies are discussed for nurses?
A: The conversation covers how to effectively incorporate acupressure, Reiki, and therapeutic touch into diverse clinical environments. It also touches on functional medicine and integrative medicine consultations.

Q: How do integrative therapies benefit patients and hospitals?
A: Integrative therapies contribute to faster patient healing, reduced medication use, and decreased hospital costs. Specific research findings show acupressure protocols can reduce patient pain by 4 points and anxiety by 5 points.

Q: What will I learn about building integrative programs?
A: You will learn strategies for developing and implementing integrative healing arts programs within hospital systems. This includes overcoming initial resistance and securing necessary support for these initiatives.

Q: What is the role of responsible supplement use in integrative nursing?
A: The discussion differentiates between evidence-based supplement recommendations and unchecked marketing. It includes crucial considerations for drug-supplement interactions and toxicity monitoring, such as with Vitamin D.

#nursingeducation #holisticnursing #integrativehealth

Break Through: Nurses Embracing Holistic Entrepreneurship and Coaching Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

This is a recorded conversation with Jennifer Anderson, RN, NC-BC, a board-certified nurse coach and functional nurse coach, on nurses embracing holistic entrepreneurship and coaching for nurses and healthcare professionals. The discussion covers the personal and professional journey of transitioning from traditional bedside nursing to an entrepreneurial role focused on functional medicine principles, particularly in perimenopause and menopause care. Clinicians will understand the value of a root cause approach to chronic health issues, the integration of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities, and how to apply foundational health principles using functional lab analysis. Jennifer Anderson brings extensive experience as a registered nurse, doula, childbirth educator, and specialist in cardiac med-surg, transitional care, chronic care management, and hospice, along with advanced training from the Integrative Nurse Coach Academy and the Institute for Functional Nursing.

Are you a nurse feeling the call to expand your practice beyond the traditional acute care model? Discover how you can leverage your nursing license and holistic mindset to build a fulfilling entrepreneurial career, addressing the complex, chronic health needs that the conventional system often overlooks. Learn how to empower your patients (and yourself) by shifting from symptom management to foundational health restoration.

In this conversation, you will discover:

This conversation provides invaluable guidance for nurses who aim to bridge the gap between conventional and holistic care. You will learn how to identify patients struggling with chronic conditions, particularly those in perimenopause or menopause, who feel unheard or unsupported by the current system. By understanding functional medicine principles and adopting a coach approach, you can become an essential resource, offering new options and empowering patients to engage in their own healing process through lifestyle interventions and targeted support.

Ready to redefine your nursing impact and embrace a practice that truly heals? Listen now to gain actionable strategies and inspiration for your journey.

Key Takeaways for Nurses:- Expand your practice to address complex, chronic health needs.- Shift from symptom management to foundational health restoration.- Identify and support patients struggling with perimenopause or menopause.- Become an essential resource for holistic care options.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is holistic entrepreneurship for nurses?Holistic entrepreneurship for nurses involves leveraging your nursing license and holistic mindset to build a fulfilling business that addresses complex, chronic health needs, often focusing on a root cause approach and foundational health restoration.How does functional medicine apply to perimenopause and menopause care?Functional medicine applies a root cause approach to perimenopause and menopause, using functional lab analysis and lifestyle interventions to identify underlying imbalances. This allows for targeted support and empowers patients to engage in their own healing process, rather than just managing symptoms.What is a nurse coach?A nurse coach, like Jennifer Anderson, RN, NC-BC, uses a coach approach to empower patients in their healing process. They guide individuals through lifestyle interventions and provide targeted support to achieve foundational health restoration and address chronic conditions holistically.

Bridging Worlds: Conventional Care and Energy Healing for Nurses Aug 09, 2026

Show notes

This is a recorded conversation with Tammy Anderson Ward, creator and producer of the Energy Healing Conferences, on bridging conventional care and energy healing for nurses and healthcare professionals. The discussion explores how energy healing modalities complement traditional healthcare, drawing from Ward's 13 years of experience producing these conferences and her family's nursing background. Listeners will gain an understanding of the historical skepticism and eventual integration of alternative therapies like acupuncture, the importance of patient-centered care, and practical techniques for nervous system regulation and burnout prevention. The conversation highlights Ward's journey into these modalities after personal health challenges and her commitment to fostering collaboration and mutual respect between conventional and complementary healing worlds.

Are you a nurse passionate about expanding your toolkit to offer comprehensive, whole-person care while also managing your own well-being and preventing burnout? This conversation offers fresh perspectives on integrating diverse healing approaches and re-establishing trust in patient-provider relationships.

In this conversation, you will discover:

This conversation offers valuable insights for nurses seeking to expand their role as option-givers, integrating complementary modalities into their practice. Nurses can apply this knowledge to support patients experiencing chronic pain or mystery illnesses where conventional treatments fall short, provide stress and anxiety relief for patients, or offer simple breathwork techniques as pre- or post-operative support. This empowers nurses to foster deeper healing by acknowledging the mind-body-spirit connection in clinical scenarios.

Explore new avenues for patient care and personal resilience. Listen now to broaden your clinical toolkit and embrace a more integrated approach to health.

Filipino Roots, Holistic Heart: A Nurse's Journey | Kathleen Ahern, RN Aug 03, 2026

Show notes

This conversation for nurses and healthcare professionals features Kathleen Ahern, RN, on her Filipino-American nursing journey, Dr. Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring, and the role of nurse coaching. Learn to integrate holistic practices like Reiki, navigate non-traditional nursing careers, and find your unique path.Join Kathleen Ahern, NC-BC, CCM, and Reiki Practitioner, as she shares her inspiring professional evolution. Influenced by her Filipino heritage and Dr. Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring, she highlights her experiences in case management, working with developmental disability populations, and establishing a nurse coaching practice. Listeners will understand the value of cultural considerations in patient care, the application of holistic modalities like Reiki, and the significance of self-advocacy in a nursing career.

Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water! Why western medicine matters. Jul 27, 2026

Show notes

This is a recorded conversation with Wendy Parmley, RN, MBA, on the integration and challenges of Western and alternative medicine for nurses and healthcare professionals. Parmley shares her personal journey through a childhood steeped in alternative health practices, highlighting both the benefits and significant dangers of unverified treatments. Clinicians will gain insight into the complexities of patient health beliefs, the critical role of evidence-based practice, and the importance of informed advocacy for patients navigating diverse healthcare options. The discussion draws on Parmley's extensive background in nursing and her family's direct experiences with severe illness, including Multiple Sclerosis (MS), brain injury, and cancer.

Are you navigating the complex landscape of patient health beliefs, where distrust in conventional medicine often clashes with the allure of alternative remedies? This insightful conversation with Wendy Parmley offers a powerful, personal narrative that champions a balanced perspective, empowering you to address patient concerns and advocate for safe, integrated care without dismissing either approach entirely.

In this conversation, you will learn:

This discussion is clinically relevant for nurses who frequently encounter patients exploring various health modalities. It empowers you to serve as a knowledgeable option-giver, facilitating balanced discussions with patients and families. You can guide those with chronic illnesses like MS or trigeminal neuralgia in discerning effective treatments, educate parents questioning childhood immunizations, and advocate for patients who use herbal supplements, ensuring they understand potential interactions and adverse effects.

Listen now to cultivate a nuanced understanding of integrative healthcare, strengthen your advocacy skills, and foster trust in both conventional and complementary approaches.

Charting a Holistic and Functional Nursing Career Jul 22, 2026

Show notes

This is a recorded conversation with Rachel Montero, Nurse Practitioner and Functional Medicine Practitioner, on charting a holistic and functional nursing career beyond burnout for nurses and healthcare professionals. The discussion explores Montero's personal and professional transition from conventional nursing to functional medicine practice, detailing her path as an RN for eight years and completing her NP degree while navigating personal health challenges that led her to explore alternative healthcare models. Clinicians will understand the foundational principles of functional medicine, specific lab testing used, and a client-centered approach to addressing root causes of chronic symptoms.

Are you a nurse feeling the pervasive impact of burnout, questioning your career path despite significant educational investment? This podcast offers a compelling narrative of how to leverage your nursing foundation to pivot into a fulfilling career in holistic and functional medicine, addressing the very gaps you may be experiencing in traditional healthcare.

In this conversation:

This conversation empowers nurses to become profound option-givers, equipped to offer patients comprehensive strategies beyond conventional treatment paradigms. It provides tangible approaches for nurses encountering patients with persistent, unexplained symptoms despite normal standard lab results, such as individuals with chronic digestive issues (heartburn, bloating, IBS-like symptoms), hormonal imbalances (fatigue, mood swings), or generalized burnout and brain fog. By understanding functional medicine principles, nurses can guide patients toward root cause analysis, offering hope and actionable steps where traditional medicine may have reached its limits. This perspective enhances a nurse's ability to educate patients on the interconnectedness of body systems, fostering self-efficacy in health management and empowering informed choices.

Listen now to discover how to redefine your nursing impact and embrace a path that prioritizes deep healing and empowered patient partnership. Explore how your unique nursing skills can thrive in the expanding field of functional medicine.

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