title: The spirit of healing: how to develop a spiritually based personal and professional practice.
abstract: The idea of healing must be considered within the context of a holistic approach to nursing practice. The authors put forth the premise that a Spirit of Healing enters into the nurse-client relationship or into any care-giving situation. This spirit is defined as a universal energy source that is accessed through imagery, therapeutic touch, Reiki, and other related interventions. Case studies are provided as illustrations, and the authors include self-help exercises and related definitions to enhance understanding and practice. The authors explore energetic techniques to treat and prevent burnout for nurses, identify specific ways to practice nursing from a holistic perspective, and consider the possibility of transforming nursing into a change agent that will redefine the healthcare system.
authors.affiliation: Visiting Nurse Service, New York in New York City, USA.
authors.forename: Martha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fortune
authors.forename: Marjorie Baker
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Price
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D018939:Holistic Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000523:psychology*; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D011209:Power, Psychological; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D029181:Spirituality; D013561:Symbolism