I am constantly getting asked from nurses around the country all of the time: “Elizabeth, how did you get to where you are at? What degrees did you get? Do I need to get more training? Is my certification the right one?” The list goes on and on… and on.
In fact, I even created a FAQ page on my site. You can visit it by clicking here. But as you will see on that page, a lot of my answers are questions back to you. Much of my information involves your own inner inquiry.
Because I can’t tell you what to do. You are a unique nurse with education, specialty and certification that I do not hold. You have your life experience, the things you enjoy and the innate traits you were born with. You are you. I can help you figure out, clarify and find what it is that you will enjoy. Yet I can never tell you what the ‘thing’ is as it will be individualized to you.
That being said, I was thinking about Reiki and nursing and my journey of these two beautiful practices. One being more scientific and masculine; the other with a stronger focus on being, letting go and allowing. I am blessed to be involved with both practices. I see in many ways how they complement each other and I enjoy them both so much.
Here are 2 ways Reiki and nursing can complement each other’s practice:
- Both focus on healing. While a nurse will assess the patient, treat the ailment and evaluate the effectiveness a Reiki practitioner strives for healing in a somewhat opposite way. A nurse is more active while Reiki can be perceived as passive. Reiki practice is about letting go and allowing the healing outcome to arise, in whatever way that may be. We do need both: the action and inaction. This is why Reiki and nursing go so well together.
- Both involve energy. As a nurse, the energy concepts behind holistic modalities have been easy to grasp. Being trained as nurses, we know that everything in the physical human body is made up of energy. Reiki, as well as other complementary practices, takes the energy theories even farther. Nursing and Reiki are both about allowing energy to flow freely, without any chance of dis-ease or discomfort. We need to monitor, give attention to and ensure good health in every shape and form. Physical, as well as other realms like mental, emotional and vibrational, health is important to both nursing and Reiki practice.
There are many wonderful ways that Reiki and nursing can partner up together. For me, this practice has meshed well with what I already do and enjoy. That is what I encourage you to do within your own nursing career.
Maybe it is not Reiki practice. Maybe, for you, it is something else like Yoga, reflexology or acupuncture. Maybe it is something outside of holistic practice altogether.
Whatever it is for you: whether it is getting certified in your specialty, going back for more nursing education, or taking on another non-nursing practice- the choice is yours to make. Follow your heart. Take your time. And do what you enjoy.
I would love to hear from you. Go ahead and leave a comment or question below. Enjoy your health today. Thank you for reading.
You said earlier that you got a part-time job any fitness center. That is exactly what I would like to do. Can you tell me where I can find more information about how to go about doing this?
Hi Jennifer,
Well, the fitness center was my capstone project for my master’s degree. I worked with a team on their social media platform. During that time, I met people at the gym and they got to know me. After the project was over, I was approached since they needed a master’s prepared nurse to run a program. I believe a few things lined this up for me:
1) I was clear on what I did and did not want to do with my job
2) I worked hard on the projects in front of me
3) I networked with influential people
4) I was open to opportunities… even those I never imagined.
That’s all I did to get that job. There was really nothing else to it. I wish I could share more, however, if you stick with it and put yourself out there in front of the right people.. amazing things will come your way!