Foundation Course in Anthroposophic Nursing
May 2-9, 2020 in beautiful Chestnut Ridge, NY (30 minutes outside of New York City)
The course is designed to introduce the principles of nursing practice extended by anthroposophy that address Anthroposophic Foundations of Nursing Care, to include:
- Nursing Process through the anthroposophic understanding of the human being as body, soul and spirit. To deepen knowledge and awareness of the concepts of: the four-fold (physical, etheric, soul and spirit); the three-fold (nerve sense, rhythmic and metabolic systems); the seven life processes; the importance of warmth; the four temperaments; and the cycles of growth and development throughout human life, including the physical as well as soul and spirit.
- Spiritual Basis for Nursing Care through self-development and the Twelve Nursing Gestures (developing a therapeutic mood for self and client).
- Spiritual Understanding of Health and Illness: working with balancing polarities through nursing care and promoting healing of body and soul.
- Working with Botanicals: plant observation and practice of various therapeutic external applications with plant substances, to include compresses and rhythmic oil applications
What past participants have to say:
"The course was a wonderful introduction to Anthroposophic Nursing. I can't wait for next year!! The course rejuvenated my love of nursing." CP, RN
“The various topics presented were rich in their content.” KS, RN
"All the instructors were exceptional. Beautiful balance of content, practicum and theory" Valerie Cooksley, RN, OCN, FAAIM, CERT, Holistic Nurse Aromatherapist and Author
The foundation training is held in one-week intensives, annually for three years. During these years, students desiring certification as an Anthroposophic Nurse are required to continue with self-study assignments and work with an experienced Anthroposophic Nurse mentor.
- Current license as a registered nurse
- Attendance at the Foundation Course in Anthroposophic Nursing for three years
- Work with a mentor for two years
- Complete required papers, plant-study, nursing care reports and documentation of self-study
- Satisfactory assessment of practical skills and knowledge conducted during the third year of training
Registered nurses and others who seek knowledge and self development, but are not interested in certification are also welcome to attend the week long courses, but will not be eligible for certification without complete compliance with self-study and course requirements.
The course is accredited by the International Forum for Anthroposophic Nursing (IFAN) in the Medical Section of the School of Spiritual Science at the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland. IFAN represents national professional Anthroposophic Nursing Organizations worldwide.
This course is jointly provided by NAANA and PAAM (Physicians Association for Anthroposophic Medicine).
Foundation Course in Anthroposophic Nursing - Presenters
Christoph von Dach, MSc. Pall. Care, DNP, RN worked 22 years as a nurse leader in an Anthroposophic hospital in Switzerland, the Lukas Klinik, specializing in Palliative and Cancer Care. He is trained as an Anthroposophic Nurse Specialist and has taught Anthroposophic Nursing on both the Foundation and Specialist level since 2010. He has years of experience working with healing plants based on plant observation. He currently works as Head of Practice Development at Solothurner Spitaler AG in Switzerland, and is a guest lecturer at Queen Margaret University.
Susan Moss, RN, ANS has been practicing nursing for over 30 years. Initially working as a hospital nurse, she then worked in hospice and home healthcare settings, which lead to several administrative leadership roles. Susan has worked with a physician in a holistic, homeopathic, anthroposophic practice in Akron, Ohio for the past six years. Susan has completed the training as an Anthroposophic Nurse Specialist, and an international training in classical homeopathy. Susan is an active committee member for the North American Anthroposophic Nurses Association. She is also co-director of the Foundation Course in Anthroposophic Nursing.
Laurie Schmiesing, RN, MS, ANS, has been a nurse for over 30 years, with a master's degree as a Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist. She has a private nursing practice supporting wellness for people of all ages in San Jose, California. She has studied Anthroposophic Nursing since 2009 and completed the Anthroposophic Nurse Specialist training in 2017. She presented at the 2017 and 2018 Annual Holistic Nursing Conference and is co-director of the Foundation Course in Anthroposophic Nursing.
Anke Smeele, RN, BSN, ANS, RES is a Registered Nurse since 1979. She specialized in Pediatrics, Community Nursing and Home Care, and has lived and worked in Camphill communities since 1982. Anke has practiced Anthroposophic Nursing in the Netherlands, England, Switzerland, and the USA. Anke completed her training for Rhythmical Massage in the Hauschka Schule in Bad Boll, Germany, in 1984 with Irmgard Marbach. She graduated from the Birch Tree Center for Holistic Nursing in 2006, and is currently Board Certified in Holistic Nursing. Anke studied Anthroposophic Nursing in Clinic Arlesheim (Switzerland), and with Joan Smith (UK). She graduated as Specialist in Rhythmical Einreibungen under Edelgard Grosse-Brauchman and Fiona Sim. She is a Specialist in Anthroposophic Nursing (ANS), and Rhythmical Einreibungen (RES). Anke teaches Einreibungen in the Foundation course and Specialist training for Anthroposophic Nurses at the American IPMT. She also teaches Rhythmical Einreibungen in various US locations and in Canada. Anke is teaching in the Social Therapy Training in the Camphill Academy at Camphill Village Copake, USA Ltd. She is a founding and current Board Member of NAANA. She is chair for the Education Committee, creating opportunities for training and further development for those interested in Anthroposophic nursing. Anke has closely worked together with the International Forum for Anthroposophic Nursing (IFAN) in Dornach, Switzerland, in auditing several courses offered by NAANA, leading to accreditation of these courses.
This course does not extend the professional practice of any participant in attendance beyond that which they already have certification or license. The educational content of this course is consistent with anthroposophic theory and practice. The information provided in this course is intended to be used in a professional setting as part of a nursing care plan grounded in physical assessment, or under the guidance of a licensed professional. Licensed professionals should familiarize themselves with their state practice guidelines. Non-licensed care givers should familiarize themselves with the policies and standards of the institution in which they work. Participants who administer self-care or care for family members out of these principles are strongly encouraged to consult with a professional health care practitioner in the case of illness.