Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine is a catch-all phrase for a long list of treatments or medicinal approaches including traditional eastern systems such as Chinese or Ayurvedic medicine. Other disciplines include homeopathy, naturopathy and various herbal alternative treatments. Alternative medicine is also referred to as complementary medicine.

An alternative medicine nurse assesses patients health problems in a holistic fashion. They also develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records.

An alternative medicine nurse may advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Alternative medicine nursing is practiced by nurses who have specialized formal, post-secondary education and who function in highly autonomous roles.