Introduction and Integration of Complementary Therapies in Acute Care

Hi my name is Kim M. Watson, from Windsor, Ontario and a I am an energy worker (primarily Healing Touch~Level IV & Reiki~Level II with Wm Rand, though an advocate of them all).

 

 I belong to a number of CT (Complementary Therapy) Associations: HTAC, HTI, HTPG, CHNA, RNAO CTNIG, CRA, etc.

 

I am writing as I am looking at the current state of the practice of Complementary Therapies in Ontario/Canada. From Aug-Dec (1/2 time) I am doing an RNAO Advanced Clinical Fellowship on the “Introduction and Integration of Complementary Therapies in Acute Care.”    I can send you an abstract for the fellowship for you to read to have a better understanding of what I am doing. So far it is going well but I could use the help of my fellow CT workers.

 

If you know of any hospital sites that offer biofield therapies/ energy work to their acute care patients, can you advise me (just drop me an email with their name, perhaps where and contact number). Or one that is offering any type of CT, I am tracking that as well. I want to collect and maintain a data base for Canadian sites.

 

I have been in touch/email the leadership of both the RNAO CTNIG and the CHNA – Canadian Holistic Nurses Association; both of which I am a member; and they do not have a data base with this info. 

 

It is my vision to see CT as an intervention of care in Acute Care facilities for patients; I see the practice trend taking us there – eventually.

 

I would also like a few words about you, your practice, and what is the feeling within the province you live. I would like to know if it is also done within the healthcare system you work in, or volunteer at. You do not have to share your name, you can be anouymous. Do you feel that your nursing college assists you in your role of CT? Thanks for sharing.

 

If you know of anyone who can be of assistance to me, please forward this to them. If you would like to stay in touch, receive any emails regarding CT/Holistic Practice in Canada, I will be creating a web site in the future to do this. I hope to keep open a flow of information going. Send me your name and email to my home email & I will be happy to stay in touch! Strength and momentum in numbers! Home email is: kwats56@hotmail.com

 

Part of my fellowship will be visiting sites that have an established program for acute care patients. Do you know any where there actually is a CT nurse/ CT practitioner on staff (in Canada or the USA)I have not yet found a program in Ontario / Canada that targets acute care pts (though I do know of some in the USA). Would prefer to visit a Canadian site if one is operating. Your help would be appreciated. I am aware of a lot of hospice driven programs (ours is wonderful and provides Radiance and Therapeutic Touch, along with a Naturopathic services), for this fellowship I am looking at programs in Ontario or Canada that deal with other patients (Surgical & Medical), while in hospital for more acute care issues. Please do send me the names of any programs or individuals though, as I will be collecting a list which I would be happy to share in the future.  It is a goal to make CT more visible in Ontario/Canada, and ultimately have it integrated with our conventional medical care/interventions in acute care (I know I am repeating myself, though soon it will be common place). I envison programs like Wake Forest’s in NC or Scripps in La Jolla, CA – for acute care, especially pre and post op care. 

 

I am writing a piece for the CTNIG newsletter, and would love to share with anyone else for a newsletter or publication. 

 

Also, anyone interested or able to present at the University of Windsor’s 3rd Annual Research/Practice conference, Jan 30, 2010, http://web4.uwindsor.ca/nursing/conference should consider sending in an abstract (can be on anything research or practice related). I am hoping to speak re: this CT Fellowship. I would also like to display and share info on the CHNA, and RNAO CTNIG, to spark interest. Do you have materials that could be shared (e.g. brochures, etc.) Any conference info you have is welcomed & needed that you come across – send my way and I will do the same.

 

I hope to keep contact with you all, through this fellowship, as well through our days ahead. Please contact me if you are able to assist me, or to just say HI – can send it to my home or work email. 

Blessings, in love and in light, Namaste, Kim

 

Kim M. Watson, RN, DPHN, MScN

Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospital

Email: kim.watson@hdgh.org 

Emergency Department Staff

519-973-4401

Complementary Therapy – RNAO Fellowship (Aug-Dec 2009)

519-973-4411, Ext 3870

Home: 2935 McKay Avenue, Windsor, ON, N9E 2R1

Home phone: 519-972-5698

Home email: kwats56@hotmail.com