A qualitative study to explore the lived experiences of nurses who use complementary therapies

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore lived experiences of six nurses who use complementary therapies in their nursing practice. Questions answered were: (a) what was the personal phenomena that surrounded their decisions to use complementary therapies; (b) what factors continue to motivate them?;A qualitative methodology with a phenomenological approach and feminist perspective was employed using an interview format for data collection. Hermeneutical analysis was applied to discover underlying themes. Themes are shown as a continuum of experiences rooted in an intuitive understanding of health and healing as body-mind-spirit. Therapeutic/healing instincts, nursing school encounters, and recognizing self/nurse as healer inspired these nurses. Verbal/non-verbal responses of clients, healing relationships between nurse and client, and spiritual encounters continue to motivate them. Practice implications: Encouraging the nursing profession to be proactive in the promotion of nurses providing complementary therapies and in the design of supportive nursing education.