LOWER NAZARETH TWP., Pa. – The Lehigh Valley’s newest holistic nurses have graduated from an innovative wellness program that is designed to help nurses focus on healing the whole person.

Registered Nurse Michaeleen Fowler spends hours and hours in the emergency room. But last summer, her own child became a patient.

“We were out of options of what to do next, and they sent their holistic nurse,” said Fowler. “It made a difference.”

A difference, for her child and her own career path.

“Today is graduation day,” said Fowler.

After a six-month, reflective, spiritual journey, Fowler has become one of the newest graduates of the Integrative Healing Arts Academy program, offered in partnership with the BirchTree Center for Healthcare Transformation, at Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Alongside Fowler is Jeffrey Limerick, a registered nurse with nearly two decades of experience, caring endlessly for patients.

“I’ve kind of always been on a path of more natural, holistic ideas in my life, and this really kind of helps bring those ideas together for me,” said Limerick.

Helping guide the two along the way is registered nurse and Integrative Healing Arts Academy Program Manager Tina Roma Fisher.

She said the program started at Lehigh Valley Health Network in 2022, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s been not only professionally changing, but life-changing for people,” said Fisher.

“It’s a way of becoming that looks at mind, body, spirit, looking at the essence and true calling of the person, so that we can connect with our patients, with our colleagues, with each other,” she added.

A graduation ceremony was held at Lehigh Valley Hospital Hecktown-Oaks in Lower Nazareth Township, Northampton County, on Friday.

It marked only the beginning of pure mindfulness, intentional presence and resilience for the region’s newest holistic nurses.

“It’s a beautiful day,” said Limerick. “I just want to encourage those that I come into contact with in the network to take this class.”

“This just isn’t for nurses. It affects everybody,” said Fowler. “That’s a big thing. Take a breath, take your moment, and breathe.”