I do believe the pharmaceutical companies and anyone "in bed" with them, has a great deal to do with how healthy care is advocated in this country. If today, everyone in the US took their health seriously, started eating right, got rid of unhealthy habits, exercised, etc... Can you imagine what an impact that would have on the medical community? Prevention is key. People taking responsbility for health prevention is key!

Alphamale, I'm afraid you're one of those people that likes to argue just for the sake of arguing.  Have you ever tried any "alternative medicines", or are you just one of those people who will only do/try something if it's been "accredited" by all-powerful Science?? I do believe that traditional medications are necessary for some people, however I completely agree with Herbalnurse in that if we as a nation took measures to prevent disease and take care of ourselves then we may not even need drugs!  Or a LOT less of them!

Hi

I am a nursing student and have a master's degree in chinese medicine which includes a number of modalities such as acupuncture and the use of chinese herbal medicine.  Having practiced for 9 years, I do think that insurance companies should pay better than they do. 

Certification for acupuncture and chinese herbology is mandatory in the US.  There is a national licensing board, the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) and some states have their own licensing requirements.  California is the most difficult state to get a license in. While many states use the NCCAOM exams in acupuncture and herbology, they all require licensing.  There are also disciplinary committies.

I've seen first hand what acupuncture can do in the hospice setting.  Patients who receive acupuncture have fewer side effects from pain medications and use less pain medication.  Families are given precious moments to make memories they otherwise may have missed.  Chindren make hand prints with parents or grand parents.  I knew that doctors realized our value when one hung an x-ray of an impacted bowel and immediately asked "Where is the acupuncturist?" 

We also used aromatherapy.  Certain cents would calm patients and you could see the stress melt away form their brows.

While I believe that western and eastern medicine should join in the treatment of all patients, I strongly agree that there must me ways of assuring affective care.  It scares me when some one who has taken a 6 week course in herbs hangs out a shingle and opens a store to cure the ills of all.  And as for crystals rotating over bodies and all that jazz - Pooy.

Hi rebirth_41

I often get this question!  I plan to work in Hospice.  I was fortunate to work in San Diego Hospice's inpatient unit for 2 years.    It was the nurses who began to realize our value and pushed for the acupuncturists to be included in patient and staff meetings.  The work was very rewarding.   Hospice used sound therapy, aromatherapy and massage regularly.  We slowly were accepted by the M.D.'s and gave inservice CEU's for M.D.'s on how to combine both methods of healing.

I want to move pallative care forward to include both western and eastern choices. 

Hi again rebirth_41,

I do believe LPN's can work in hospice.  LVN is a stepping stone too my  RN.  I live in California and most schools are lottery entrance.  Not right in my opinion, I believe it should be academic, but that's just my opinion. I plan on finishing my LVN and the going on for my RN.  Statistically I have a MUCH higher chance of getting placed intp 1 of 10 slots when there are 30 or so people applying versus the thousands that apply to the 20 RN slots - about 1 in 200.  I will work as an LVN and then continue my education.

As for paying for school, I am working on scholarship applications, grants, loans and will consider working in underserved areas to get my education paid for.  I find it's the day to day financial needs to be the challenge.  It took me 3 years to work through a waiting list to get to this point.  I start August 2010.  I'm very excited.  I'm definately not a spring chicken - 51 - but this is just the ONE thing in my life I feel led to do.

Good Morning rebirth_41.  Thanks for your warm wishes.  I will have a AS degree with my LVN.  I to have to support myself.  It's only time.  Have a wonderful holiday.