The Complementary Therapies Special Interest Group recognises the importance of of treating the patient as a whole person, encompassing physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs. This SIG provides professional development opportunities and a forum for nurses to exchange ideas.
Contact
Catherine Hutchings: 9275 9333
email address: records@anfvic.asn.au
The Complementary Therapies Special Interest Group began as a forum of the ANF (Vic Branch) in 1994. It is a resource group for nurses who are interested in the incorporation of complementary therapies into healthcare settings.
Current nursing theory and practice recognises the importance of treating the patient as a whole person, encompassing physical, mental and spiritual needs. Many nurses identify complementary therapies as a positive means of addressing these needs, thus enhancing the well-being of the patient.
Examples of complementary therapies include massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, shiatsu, therapeutic touch, music therapy, art therapy and progressive muscle relaxation.
Some members of the SIG are qualified practitioners in one or more modalities and have established their own private practices, whilst others use their qualifications and skills as an adjunct to nursing care. All members are enthusiastic supporters of complementary therapies.
Some recent activities include:
- Acted as an advocate for patients/consumers wanting to use complementary therapies in nursing settings.
- Acted as an advocate and spokesbody for nurses using complementary therapies in nursing practice by:
- Contributed to the ANF Submission on Complementary Therapies in Nursing to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee Inquiry into Nursing (2001). The report entitled The Patient Profession:time for action was tabled in the Senate on 26.6.02.
- Provided comments on the Nurses' Board of Victoria's Professional Boundaries Guidelines for Registered Nurses in Victoria (2001).
- Provided representation on the Nurses' Board of Victoria to update the Guidelines for Complementary Therapies in Nursing.
- Was instrumental in providing the ANF with relevant information to extend their professional indemnity cover to members practising complementary therapies (1998).
- At the Annual SRN Division 2 Conferences in 2001, 2002 and 2003, and the Annual Delegates Conference in 2004.
- Participated in trade display distributing information about complementary therapies in nursing to delegates.
- Participated in several International Nurses' Day Celebrations. In 2004 the group was one of a number of SIGs celebrating nursing publicly in Federation Square. They provided information about the role of complementary therapies in nursing, the purpose of the Complementary Therapies SIG, and performed therapeutic touch, reflexology and hand massage treatments with the public.
- SIG members received the Elizabeth Hulme Special Interest Group Grant which funded a study investigating the use of aromatherapy hand and foot massage in rehabilitation of the elderly. The study has since been published in the international journal Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery (2001).
Nurses on Professional Boundaries (2001).
- Two SIG members received SGE Credit Union Special Interest Group Higher Education Scholarships in 2004.
Aims & Objectives
- To act as a support group for registered nurses by exchanging ideas and resources.
- To provide a forum where members can discuss pertinent issues at bi-monthly meetings.
- To facilitate professional development within the group featuring specialists in complementary therapies to speak at bi-monthly meetings.
- To investigate issues of concern to the nursing profession in this area, and to make recommendations.
