The Holistic Nurses Association of New South Wales: our history, our present and our future.

The Holistic Nurses Association (HNA) of New South Wales was formed in March 1995 by nurses inspired by the inaugural Natural Therapies Conference held by the New South Wales Nurses Association (NSWNA) in October 1994. A philosophy of providing support to nurses wishing to provide healthcare in a holistic way underpinned the formation of the HNA in a climate of disenchantment with the mechanistic and reductionist methods of modern healthcare. The main aims of the group are to share information, meet regularly for support, identify our goals and to organize presentations and workshops that promote and strengthen our professional goals and identity. The HNA has been recognised as a group to consult with regarding policy formation for the use of natural therapies within the mainstream health service. The Nurses Registration Board of New South Wales and the New South Wales Nurses Association both liaised with HNANSW when formulating their policies on the use of complementary therapies in nursing.