Complementary Care: Redefining Nursing for the New Millennium

Chapter 2: Complementary Care: Redefining Nursing for the New Millennium 

Overview:

• Discussion of the need for a new model of care in nursing circles
• Analysis of the effects of increased workload is having on nurses and socialisation in reference to Menzies thesis
• Outlines the ‘caste system’ and the power relationships within the health care system
• Scientific paradigms are discussed
• Major hurdles in regard to complementary therapies and their appropriateness to nursing care are outlined and explained

Description:

This chapter discusses barriers to the implementation of complementary therapies into nursing practice. Internalised barriers derived from the power relationships within the health care system are the main focus of interest. Powerful covert barriers are deeply embedded in the very construct of nursing’s self-image, and these are revealed and challenged in this chapter. The integration of complementary therapies requires a cultural shift in the nursing and midwifery professions. Some suggestions on how integration can be achieved are provided.

Topics:

• Introduction
• The need for a new model of care
• The socialisation of nurses
• The power relationships within the health care system
• Legal issues
• Scientific paradigm
• Professional gatekeeping
• A blueprint for change
• Endnotes
• References

Speaker / Author:

Jill Teschendorff

RN, Midwife, MCHN, B App Science, MHsc, Cert Massage
School of Nursing, Victoria University of Technology

With extensive nursing experience in paediatrics, midwifery, maternal and child health and general nursing, Jill has a strong interest in facilitating change through research and teaching. A qualified massage therapist, Professor Teschendorff believes that complementary health care offers nurses the opportunity to implement effective, practical care that is holistic and under the control of nurses. Her research interests are broad and they include overseas skills recognition in Australia, intercultural communication, cultural adjustments of migrant nurses and the effects of massage on post-operative pain. She is currently investigating the health beliefs that impact on the practice of massage. Professor Teschendorff has extensive experience in the accreditation of courses in complementary health care and was a member of the advisory committee for the Review of Guidelines for Use of Complementary Therapies in Nursing Practice for the Nurses Board of Victoria.

Professional Reviews: