Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Nursing

Now in its eighth edition, this highly acclaimed, newly revised and expanded text continues to deliver innovative practice guidelines for evidence-based complementary and alternative therapies that can easily be incorporated into curriculum and applied directly to practice. The book describes holistic treatments that are culturally appropriate for clients across the life span and NCLEX®-relevant content appropriate for preparation of advanced practice nurses.

The eighth edition reflects an expanding interest in these therapies worldwide and features numerous sidebars by international contributors who provide a global perspective that builds readers’ understanding of the cultural derivations and uses of complementary therapies. The new edition also highlights digital and technical advances, provides key updates to foundations for practice, and describes cutting-edge research. Included is a description of the evolution and establishment of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) and its current national agenda. Updated legal information regarding regulation and credentialing, enlarged safety and precaution content, and the inclusion of a broad range of therapies add to the utility of this new edition.

The only book about complementary and alternative therapies written specifically for nurses that focuses on essential evidence for practice, the text uses a consistent format to present a definition and description of each therapy, a summary of how it evolved, and a rationale for its use. The scientific basis and research evidence for use of each therapy in a variety of specific patient populations is emphasized. Sidebars in each chapter describe the use of various therapies in different settings worldwide. All chapters provide practical guidelines for using the therapies to promote health and comfort while increasing patients’ well-being and satisfaction with care.

New to the Eighth Edition:

• Updated research-based content, including new cutting-edge references
• Expanded content about technology and digital resources
• New Foreword and endorsements by prominent scholars
• Describes key steps in evolution of the NCCIH and its current national agenda
• Highlights indigenous culturally based therapies
• New chapter: “Systems of Care: Sowa Rigpa―The Tibetan Knowledge of Healing”
• New chapter: “Independent Personal Use of Complementary Therapies”
• New chapter: “Afterword: Creating a Preferred Future―Editors’ Reflections”
• Updated information on legal concerns, regulation, and credentialing
• Enlarged safety and precaution content
• Helpful tips for selecting practitioners
• Use of therapies for nurses’ and patients’ self-care
• Strategies for initiating institution-wide therapies and programs

Key Features:

• Delivers comprehensive and current guidelines for therapy use
• Written by highly respected nurse experts
• Employs a consistent format for ease of use
• Describes instructional techniques and safety precautions for each therapy
• Provides a strong international focus

Ruth Lindquist, PhD, RN is Professor Emeritus of Nursing and Graduate Faculty member of the Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing at the University of Minnesota. She is a member of the University of Minnesota Academy of Distinguished Teachers and the Academic Health Center Academy of Excellence in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. In her practice and research, Dr. Lindquist uses evidence-based complementary therapies and behavioral strategies to reduce cardiovascular disease risk and promote health-related quality of life. She cofounded an innovative women's only cardiac support group to enhance self-care and transform lifestyles to reduce heart disease risks. As a Densford Scholar in the Katherine J. Densford International Center for Nursing Leadership, she worked with her team to conduct a landmark national survey of critical care nurses' attitudes toward and use of complementary therapies. Complementary therapies have been the core of her care, research, and scholarship for 40 years including co-editing this text, now in its 9th edition.

Mary Fran Tracy, PhD, RN, APRN, CNS, FCNS, FAAN is an Associate Professor, University of Minnesota School of Nursing and an Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Minnesota School of Medicine. Dr. Tracy is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and a Fellow of the Clinical Nurse Specialist Institute, as well as a Past President of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. Her research focus is in symptom management for acute and critically ill patients. As a Densford Scholar in the Katharine J. Densford International Center for Nursing Leadership, she conducted a national survey of critical care nurses' attitudes towards and use of complementary and alternative therapies and this survey has been further used by researchers in more than 15 countries.

Mariah Snyder, PhD, is professor emerita, University of Minnesota School of Nursing. Independent nursing interventions and complementary therapies have been the focus of her career. Dr. Snyder studied the effects of complementary therapies in promoting the health and well-being of elders, particularly those with dementia. She was a founding member of the Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing at the University of Minnesota and instrumental in the establishment of the Center's graduate interdisciplinary minor. In retirement, she continues to incorporate complementary therapies in her volunteer activities with women in recovery programs, elders, and in her personal wellness.