1. Brook Grzadzinski, RN, BSN Clinical Nurse Manager August 13, 2013
Organize and develop a study guide to prepare IHAP graduates for the holistic nursing certification exam
Brook Grzadzinski, RN, BSN
Clinical Nurse Manager
August 13, 2013

2. Overview of organization
St. John Hospital and Medical Center (SJH&MC)
SJH&MC is under the St. John Providence Health System
St. John Providence Health System is a member of Ascension Health, a faith based health ministry
St. John Providence Health System Mission
“St. John Providence Health System, as a Catholic health ministry, is committed to providing spiritually centered, holistic care which sustains and improves the health of individuals in the communities we serve, with special attention to the poor and vulnerable” (

3. Site supervisor Mary Natschke, Integrative Practice Nurse
Internal consultant, educator and practitioner for the provision of spiritually centered holistic and integrative services.
Clients include individual patients, caregivers, associates and the community.
Serves as a resource for the education of healthcare professionals and the community in the disciplines of holistic nursing and integrative practices. Provides support and continuing development opportunities for caregiver self-renewal.
Specialties include:
Board Certified Holistic Nurse Integrative Aromatherapy Certified Energy Practitioner (Sacred Geometry & Reiki Master/Teacher) Korean Hand Therapy practitioner

4. Practicum overview
The practicum objective was obtained by integrating theory, knowledge, and skills learned thus far in the program and put into practice by way of a healthcare leadership project
The practicum requirement was to complete 200 hours of directed study under the guidance of a site supervisor, I was able to accrue hours to complete my project.

5. Tally of Practicum hours

6. Practicum objectives
To develop a formalized study guide to support and encourage IHAP (Integrative Healing Arts Program) graduates to take the holistic nursing certification exam.
Prepare IHAP graduates for test taking.
Assistance with application process to take the exam.
Provide study material and tools necessary for learning.
To give nurses confidence to take the exam.
Get more nurses certified to be aligned with St. John Providence Health System Mission.
Obtain a 100% pass rate on the first test taking.

7. Current status of practicum
I was able to complete the study guide completely over the last 10 weeks.
A hard copy of the study guide is available for use immediately.
I was able to meet all of the objectives I set forth at the beginning of the course except for having students use the guide and pass the exam the first time around.
I am meeting with 2 IHAP graduates on August 23 and will provide them with the study guide and an introduction on how I came to create this study guide.

8. Lessons learned and next steps
My original idea was to do a review course, but the impact of time and funding was not realistic and the paper study guide was created.
The internet research of the topic and preparation for the exam is very broad and overwhelming. It was best to consult with my site supervisor, those that have taken the exam, and review of the AHNCC handbook that outlined what is covered in the exam.
My site supervisor and I discussed that our next step should be making this study guide electronic so it will be an easier access for all.
Getting the information out there that there is a study guide and encourage nurses to pursue taking the exam.
I am going to pursue taking the exam in late fall this year.

9. References St. John Providence Health System website