It is said that holistic nursing is as old as nursing—or modern nursing—itself. Florence Nightingale is credited with nursing principles that speak to the primary concepts of a holistic approach to care, with emphasis on “unity, wellness, and the interrelationship of human beings and their environment” (American Holistic Nurses Association, n.d.).  

Keep in mind the interrelationship of individuals and their environment as you meet avatar patient Gordon Brune. You are taking the role of a nurse at Neighborhood Clinic, a community health center. As Mr. Brune explains the purpose of his visit and details of his current living situation, you will be guided to choose responses that demonstrate levels of holistic care. You will also consider the challenge of gaining an understanding of his personality and gauging the impact of what he describes in determining your recommendations for how best to support his health from a holistic perspective.

The aim of this avatar experience is to provide a patient interaction that is as realistic as possible. If Gordon Brune reminds you of patients you have had, draw on that connection. But equally important, make this Assignment, with its requirement to consider more than Gordon Brune’s physical condition, an opportunity to gain context and insight into the multiple dimensions of wellness and the role they play in a patient’s health and overall well-being.

You will begin and end the scenario with the avatar clinic director, Asha Gill. Consider her goals for person-centered care at Neighborhood Clinic and the kinds of support you would look for from a supervisor to meet those goals.

To prepare:

Review the Learning Resources.

Access the Holistic, Person-Centered Plan of Care template document in the Learning Resources. You will complete the template to submit for this Assignment. Review what you are required to provide about avatar patient Gordon Brune, your recommendations for him, and other analysis that supports person-centered, holistic care. The Learning Resources also contain a PDF document of tips on how the Mursion simulation works for guidance with the Assignment.

View the asynchronous scenario with avatar Gordon Brune in the Required Media. As you listen and respond in this simulated appointment, consider challenges he describes in one or more of the dimensions of wellness—emotional, physical, intellectual, occupational, spiritual, and/or social.

• Draw on your understanding of a holistic approach to patient care and identify impacts that Gordon Brune is experiencing in various dimensions of wellness. 
• Consider what a holistic care plan would include for this patient and reflect on ethical principles as a professional nurse in addressing the patient’s health needs.
• Base your plan of care on the specific information that Mr. Brune provides in the media resource, other Learning Resources for Module 1, and other resources you identify.
• To complete the Assignment:
• Use the Holistic, Person-Centered Plan of Care template document to present your analysis from the Mursion experience with avatar patient Gordon Brune. Your document should be 3–4 pages plus a reference page and include the following:
• Write a brief profile of Gordon Brune based on what you know about him from the avatar scenario.

Describe the dimensions of wellness that are influencing Mr. Brune’s situation and condition. For those that you do not identify as factors, explain why.
•    Emotional
•    Physical
•    Intellectual
•    Occupational
•    Spiritual
•    Social

Summarize Mr. Brune’s issues and needs from a holistic perspective.

Explain a plan of care that will address the dimensions that are having the greatest impact on Mr. Brune’s ability to manage his diabetes. As part of your care plan, identify at least two community resources or other health professionals you would refer Mr. Brune to and explain your reasoning.

Explain how your care plan adheres to concepts of person-centered care and a holistic approach to patient care.

1. Explain how your care plan adheres to ethical principles for a professional nurse.
2. Reflect on the challenges of taking a holistic approach to patient care. Explain your thinking.

Reflect on the benefits of person-centered, holistic care. Explain your thinking.

If Asha Gill, the avatar clinic director, were your clinical supervisor, what kind of support would you want as a professional nurse for taking a person-centered, holistic approach to patient care? Explain your reasoning.