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, FAHA, FAAN, is Professor of Nursing and a graduate faculty member of the Center for Spirituality and Healing in the Academic Health Center at the University of Minnesota. She is a member of the University of Minnesota Academy of Distinguished Teachers, a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, and a Fellow of the Stroke Council and Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing of the American Heart Association. Dr. Lindquist employs evidence-based complementary therapies and behavioral strategies in her research to reduce cardiovascular disease risk and improve individual’s health-related quality of life. She is co-founder of an innovative women’s-only cardiac support group designed to enhance self-care and transform lifestyles to reduce heart disease risks. As a Densford Scholar in the Katharine J. Densford International Center for Nursing Leadership she conducted a national survey of critical care nurses’ attitudes toward and use of complementary and alternative therapies.

Mary Frances Tracy, PhD, RN, APRN, CNS, FAAN is in a joint position as Associate Professor, University of Minnesota School of Nursing and Nurse Scientist, University of Minnesota Medical Center, MHealth. She is also Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Minnesota School of Medicine. Dr. Tracy has been the PI or co-PI on eight major funded research projects, some of which focused on nurse use of alternative therapy interventions in critical care and to reduce reliance on traditional medicine interventions. She conducted a national survey of critical care nurses’ attitudes toward and use of complementary therapies and this survey has been further utilized by subsequent researchers in more than 15 additional countries. Dr. Tracy has published numerous papers and book chapters, including several in the current and past editions of Snyder/Lindquist, Complementary & Alternative Therapies in Nursing.

Mariah Snyder, PhD, RN, FAAN is Professor Emeritus, 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 wellbeing of elders, particularly those with dementia. She was a founding member of the 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 and elders, and also in her personal wellness.