Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Are there any deadlines I need to be aware of when submitting my application?
No, you have to have a valid RN nursing license and have graduated from a baccalaureate program before applying for AHNCC Certification. If you are interested in becoming certified as an Advanced Holistic Nurse, you must have a valid RN nursing license, have a graduate degree in Nursing (either masters or doctoral level), and have a years practice in holistic nursing. Exceptions are made for graduates of Endorsed Schools.
How can I get certified in Holistic Nursing?
Individuals must complete the Certification Process. This includes an Application, a Qualitative Assessment and a Quantitative Examination. Certification can only be obtained by completing these three steps. For more information, go to the Certification link at the bottom of the page.
What is Holistic Nursing practice?
Holistic nursing practice is based on the nurses' ability to practice within the context of AHNA's Standards of Practice, Code of Ethics and Nursing Theories consistent with Holistic Nursing Philosophy. A holistic nurse and her/his client mutually plans goals that facilitate wellness, health, healing and client well-being. Holistic Nurses practice in any place or space where they have a nurse-client relation. That is, they practice in community health, hospice, ICU, ER, hospitals, schools, etc. Although many Holistic Nurses use modalities or alternative therapies in their practice, Holistic Nursing is not dependent on one's ability to use modalities or alternative therapies. for more information regarding Holistic Nursing, please visit our website that defines
You can download the Application Form, however you are still held responsible for all the information in the handbook/application packet. While most of this information is contained on the website most applicants find the hard copy of the information valuable. If you wish to purchase a copy of the handbook please go the Handbook Order Form.
How long does the Certification process take?
Most people require approximately six months to complete the process. Others take as long as a year. Please see Anticipated Timeline for more details.
Do I have to be a nurse to apply for Holistic Nursing Certification?
Yes, a US unrestricted registered nursing license is required for AHNCC Certification.
Does the baccalaureate degree have to be in nursing?
No. You must have an unrestricted nursing license and a baccalaureate degree, but the baccalaureate degree does not have to be in nursing. A registered nurse without a baccalaureate degree who has a masters degree does meet this requirement. However, if you are applying for the AHN-BC examination, you must have a either a master's or doctoral degree in Nursing.
Any courses that address the Holistic Nursing Standards of Practice and related Core Values are accepted for this requirement. Courses that are medically oriented such as ACLS, pharmacology, symptoms management, disease oriented courses will not be accepted unless the applicant can explain how they directly relate to the practice of Holistic Nursing. For example: A course that addresses the client with cardiac dysfunction and focuses on the psychosocial, cognitive, physiological and spiritual needs of the client would not be automatically accepted, but might be if the applicant can explain the relationship. A course that focuses on the pathophysiology, medical management of a disease or symptoms and the pharmacology would not be acceptable.
For Recertification: One hundred Continuing Education Units are required. Twenty of the 100 must directly relate to recognized Holistic Nursing theories (Erickson, Tomlin, Swain; Rogers, Parse, Nightingale; Watson; and Neuman), the theorist, concepts (such as spirituality, connectedness, presence, intuition, mind-body-spirit integration, healing, etc), or Holistic Nursing research. Courses that are modality based can only be used towards the 20 hours that must directly relate to Holistic Nursing if they focus on the person and are not technique oriented. The remaining 80 hours can be related to Holistic Nursing. AHNCC staff will be happy to review any questions you have regarding any Continuing Education courses to determine if they can be used to meet the requirements.
How long is my Certification good for?
Individuals are HN-BC or AHN-BC Certified for a five year period.
How
does a nursing program seek AHNCC endorsement?
Faculty can submit an Application for Endorsement whenever they perceive that their Curricula meets Endorsement Criteria. For further information please see section on AHNCC Endorsement Process.
Where can I get a copy of the Standards of Holistic Nursing Practice?
To obtain a copy of the Standards please contact the American Holistic Nurses Association at 1-800-278-AHNA. Please note that there are two sets of Standards, Basic and Advanced. If you are applying for HN-BC, you will need a copy of the Basic Standards of Holistic Nursing Practice. If you are applying for AHN-BC, you will need a copy of the Advanced Standards of Holistic Nursing Practice.
Are AHNCC and AHNA the same organization?
No. AHNCC and AHNA are two different organizations. AHNCC is the only national certifying corporation for Holistic Nursing. AHNCC does not offer courses, continuing education endorsement, or membership opportunities. AHNCC helps people apply for HN-BC or AHN-BC Certification, recertify their credentials, and assists schools in getting their nursing programs endorsed. AHNA is an education and membership organization. They offer educational opportunities, membership, annual conferences, and endorse educational programs. Although the two organizations are both focused on facilitating the growth of Holistic Nursing the purpose of both organizations is very different. Since AHNA is the professional organization linked to AHNCC, AHNA members will be offered a discount Fee starting November 1, 2004. For more information regarding Fees, please click General Information and go to Fees.
Yes. It your responsibility to notify AHNCC of any addresses changes. You need to notify AHNCC as well as AHNA of any changes. Since they are different organizations they do not have a shared data base. If you only notify AHNA that you have moved, AHNCC will be unable to contact you when they need to send your Recertification application. If you do not recertify in the required time period you will need to take the examination to become HN-BC or AHN-BC certified. To email us your change of address, click here.
Why do people obtain HN-BC or AHN-BC Certification?
People obtain Certification for personal and professional reasons. Some people work for organizations that require Certification. Others believe that credentials legitimize their independent practice. All nurses seeking Certification recognize the value of the credentials; as a nurse who is HN-BC or AHN-BC certified has demonstrated expertise in knowledge and practice issues related to Holistic Nursing.
Does AHNCC offer courses on Holistic Nursing or related topics?
AHNCC does not offer any continuing education courses. Applicants studying for the examination are provided with a suggested reading list in the AHNCC Handbook. Courses are also available through AHNA and other organizations and correspondence programs.
Does AHNCC endorse continuing education programs?
No, AHNCC does not endorse continuing educational programs. For information regarding program endorsement you can contact the American Holistic Nurses' Association at 1-800-278-AHNA.
Do continuing education programs have to be endorsed or approved of by AHNA to count toward the Certification or Recertification continuing education requirement?
No, continuing education hours in nursing that are obtained from any licensed individual, organization, or institution are acceptable. A program does not need to be endorsed or approved by AHNA.
How often is the HN-BC and AHN-BC examinations offered?
Examinations are offered twice a year in March and October at several locations through out the country. Starting October, 2004 the Examinations will be computer based and will be offered over a two-week period of time. Once the Applicant has been approved by AHNCC for the Quantitative Exam, he/she can contact PTC to set an appointment for the Examination. Appointments will be based on the Applicant's schedule and times available during the two-week testing period. For more information please see Certification Process.
Yes, AHNCC does off Certification in Advanced Holistic Nursing.
No, you are either certified at the HN-BC level or the AHN-BC level.
NO! All correspondence regarding holistic nursing certification and recertification must be mailed to AHNCC at:
AHNCC
811 Linden Loop
Cedar Park, Texas
78613
Do NOT mail certification and recertification documents to AHNA headquarters.
NOTE: The examination application (received from AHNCC) needs to be sent to PTC.
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