iii How exciting to think about becoming a nursing assistant and starting a career in nursing. Perhaps you have been thinking about this endeavor for as long as you can remember because you have always wanted to help others. Perhaps you know someone who is a nurse and would like to be like him or her. Perhaps you had a memorable nurse take care of you when you were ill, and you knew that was the kind of work you wanted to do someday. Whatever your reason for embarking on this career path, this textbook will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful. In this textbook, you will learn fundamental and important content and procedures to guide you in delivering safe, quality care. You will also learn about the importance of holistic care interactions between the body, mind, and spirit and the profound effect that interactions between the body, mind, and spirit have on the way people maintain wellness and respond to illness. Interactions between the body, mind, and spirit create the connection and harmony people need to live their lives as “whole” human beings. As a holistic nursing assistant, you will make a difference in the lives of others by • being sensitive to and respectful of yourself and fully understanding your own body, mind, and spirit so you can do the same for others • being strong, but gentle, and using a caring manner • focusing on the unique needs and desires of others to help them be as independent as possible • being positive and using supportive communication • paying close attention to the way you walk into a room, the tone of your voice, and the way you interact with others • sensing when others are stressed and helping them understand the importance of maintaining their health and wellness and • creating trust, being attentive, and showing appropriate concern and respect. The goal of this textbook is to assist you in becoming an effective and successful nursing assistant. As you study the information and detailed procedures in this text, you will learn how to provide holistic care that is memorable for patients, residents, and their families. Note that the procedures in this book reflect the best general practices. The exact guidelines for procedures in your state may vary, and new knowledge is always shaping the field of nursing, so always check your state’s or facility’s regulations. I wish you the best as you embark on this life-changing journey. Sue Roe Dr. Sue Roe has taught and designed academic courses and training programs in nursing, allied health, and health administration for over 35 years at both public and private universities and colleges and using a variety of delivery formats. She is the executive editor of Wholistic Now!, an online newsletter focusing on holistic health, wellness, leadership, and education. Dr. Roe is also a co-leader for the Arizona Holistic Nurses chapter of the American Holistic Nurses Association. Dr. Roe is manager and a member of The Roe Group Enterprises, LLC, a resource for educational materials about holistic health. She has a doctorate in public administration, with an emphasis in administration and health policy. In addition, she completed graduate-level work in educational administration and instructional development. Dr. Roe has extensive experience in nursing and nursing education and holds master of science and bachelor of science degrees in nursing. To the Student About the Author When you touch a body, you touch the whole person, the intellect, the spirit, and the emotions. Jane Harrington, American author