Acupuncturist Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of holistic health care, the role of acupuncturist nurses is crucially important.
As the integration of traditional and modern medicine continues to evolve, the demand for skilled practitioners who can seamlessly blend ancient acupuncture techniques with contemporary nursing care grows.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an acupuncturist nurse?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker aiming to grasp the core of this profession,
- A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
- Or simply curious about the intricacies of acupuncturist nursing,
You’ve landed in the right place.
Today, we present a comprehensive and customizable acupuncturist nurse job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s get started.
Acupuncturist Nurse Duties and Responsibilities
Acupuncturist Nurses utilize their specialized training in acupuncture along with their nursing knowledge to provide holistic care to patients.
This role involves a blend of traditional nursing duties, patient counseling, and acupuncture treatments.
Acupuncturist Nurses perform the following duties and responsibilities:
- Conduct initial consultations with patients to understand their health concerns and medical history
- Devise a personalized acupuncture treatment plan for each patient based on their specific needs
- Administer acupuncture treatments using sterile needles, carefully inserting them at appropriate points on the body
- Monitor patients during treatment sessions to ensure their comfort and safety
- Educate patients about the benefits of acupuncture, answering any questions they may have about the process or potential results
- Maintain accurate and detailed patient records, tracking their progress over time
- Adhere to all health and safety regulations, including proper needle disposal and sanitization of treatment areas
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors and physiotherapists, to ensure integrated and comprehensive care
- Stay up-to-date on the latest research and advancements in acupuncture and nursing practices
Acupuncturist Nurse Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking an experienced and patient-focused Acupuncturist Nurse to join our team.
As an Acupuncturist Nurse, you will utilize your knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medical practices to provide holistic care and promote wellness.
Your responsibilities will include assessing patients’ health conditions, developing individual treatment plans, and performing acupuncture treatments.
Our ideal candidate is a compassionate professional with excellent communication skills and a deep understanding of both traditional and modern acupuncture practices.
Responsibilities
- Assess patient condition through physical and energetic examination
- Develop personalized treatment plans based on patient needs
- Perform acupuncture treatments in a safe and clean environment
- Advise patients on lifestyle changes, dietary considerations, and exercise to promote wellness
- Stay updated with latest research and developments in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine
- Maintain patient records and notes on treatments
- Adhere to all professional, ethical, and legal regulations as set by the nursing board and acupuncture licensing board
- Communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals to provide coordinated care
Qualifications
- Current RN licensure in the state of practice
- Valid certification to practice acupuncture from an accredited institution
- Proven experience as an Acupuncturist Nurse or similar role in healthcare
- Excellent communication and patient management skills
- Ability to maintain professional and positive attitude
- Knowledge of both traditional and modern acupuncture practices
- Understanding of holistic and integrative approaches to health and wellness
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Acupuncturist Nurse
- Work Environment: Clinical setting, potential for on-call or after-hours shifts.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Nursing or Healthcare Provider.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a copy of your RN license, and your acupuncture certification to [email address or application portal].
What Does an Acupuncturist Nurse Do?
Acupuncturist Nurses, also known as holistic nurses, work in the field of complementary medicine, integrating the practice of traditional Chinese medicine with western healthcare.
They apply the principles and techniques of acupuncture in the context of nursing care, working to alleviate pain, promote healing, and improve the physical, mental, and emotional health of their patients.
Acupuncturist nurses conduct patient assessments, including an examination of their physical conditions, lifestyle, emotional state, and overall well-being.
They then develop a tailored treatment plan that may involve acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, or other traditional Chinese medical practices.
They insert thin needles into the patient’s body at specific points, known as acupuncture points, to stimulate the body’s healing energy, or qi.
In addition to their clinical role, acupuncturist nurses also play a crucial role in patient education, teaching their patients about self-care practices and lifestyle changes to support their health and well-being.
They also maintain patient records, noting any changes in a patient’s condition and adjusting treatment plans as necessary.
Some Acupuncturist Nurses may even specialize in areas like pain management, mental health, women’s health, or geriatrics.
They often collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide an integrated, holistic approach to patient care.
Acupuncturist Nurse Qualifications and Skills
An acupuncturist nurse should possess skills and qualifications that align with the requirements of the job, such as:
- Sound knowledge in traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine.
- Competency in performing acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping and other acupuncture nursing techniques.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to convey treatment plans and procedures to patients and to collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
- Strong fine motor skills for precise insertion of acupuncture needles.
- Patience and compassion when dealing with patients, many of whom may be in discomfort or distress.
- Ability to evaluate patient response to treatment and modify as necessary.
- Problem-solving skills to identify and treat a wide variety of conditions, from chronic pain to emotional disorders.
- Physical stamina to stand for extended periods of time and the ability to handle stressful situations.
- Critical thinking skills to evaluate patients’ conditions, symptoms and medical history for effective treatment.
Acupuncturist Nurse Experience Requirements
Acupuncturist Nurses are usually required to have a considerable amount of theoretical and practical experience, often gained through a state-licensed nursing or acupuncture school.
This includes studying Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), anatomy, physiology and other relevant courses.
In addition to their nursing and acupuncture education, these professionals typically accumulate their experience through internships or part-time roles in healthcare settings.
This allows them to gain hands-on experience in patient care and the application of acupuncture treatments.
Entry-level Acupuncturist Nurses may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through these internships, part-time roles or residencies in hospitals or healthcare facilities.
This time is crucial in developing their skills in patient assessment, developing treatment plans, and applying acupuncture treatment.
Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have a deeper understanding of TCM and Western medicine, as well as developed their skills in complementary therapies such as cupping, herbal medicine, or moxibustion.
Those with more than 5 years of experience may have gained leadership experience in their background and may be prepared for a supervisory or managerial position in a clinic or healthcare facility.
They may also have additional certifications in specialized areas of acupuncture, adding to their experience and expertise.
To practice as an Acupuncturist Nurse, obtaining a state license is also necessary, which involves passing the national certification examination for Registered Nurses and Acupuncturists.
Continuing education is also essential in maintaining their licensure and staying current in their field.
Acupuncturist Nurse Education and Training Requirements
An Acupuncturist Nurse typically holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing, followed by a Registered Nurse (RN) licensure.
They are also required to have a certification in acupuncture therapy or oriental medicine from an accredited institution.
This program includes both theoretical and practical training in acupuncture techniques, oriental medicine theory, anatomy, and physiology.
State regulations vary, but most require Acupuncturist Nurses to be licensed practitioners.
This generally involves passing a comprehensive exam such as the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) exam.
After acquiring a license, some Acupuncturist Nurses go on to earn a master’s degree or doctorate in acupuncture or oriental medicine to deepen their knowledge and improve their skills.
Continued education is often encouraged in this field to stay updated with the latest techniques, research, and developments in acupuncture and oriental medicine.
It’s also important for an Acupuncturist Nurse to have strong empathy, patience, and communication skills to effectively interact with patients and understand their health problems and concerns.
Acupuncturist Nurse Salary Expectations
An Acupuncturist Nurse can expect to earn an average salary of $78,610 (USD) per year.
The actual earnings can be influenced by factors such as experience, specialization, geographical location, and the company that they are employed by.
Acupuncturist Nurse Job Description FAQs
What skills does an Acupuncturist Nurse need?
Acupuncturist Nurses should have excellent interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with patients.
They must have a comprehensive understanding of anatomy, physiology, and the principles of acupuncture.
In addition, they should be skillful in using acupuncture needles and have the ability to provide a calm, soothing environment for their patients.
Accuracy, attention to detail, and patience are also important skills for this role.
Do Acupuncturist Nurses need a degree?
Yes, they do.
Acupuncturist Nurses must first qualify as Registered Nurses, which requires a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
They also need to complete an accredited acupuncture program, which usually results in a master’s degree in acupuncture or Oriental medicine.
After that, they should obtain a license to practice acupuncture, which involves passing a national certification exam.
What should you look for in an Acupuncturist Nurse resume?
When reviewing an Acupuncturist Nurse’s resume, first check their educational qualifications and licenses.
They should have a degree in Nursing and a master’s degree in acupuncture or Oriental medicine.
Make sure they have a valid nursing license and certification to practice acupuncture.
Work experience in a healthcare setting and knowledge of different acupuncture techniques can be added advantages.
What qualities make a good Acupuncturist Nurse?
A good Acupuncturist Nurse is compassionate and able to build strong relationships with their patients.
They have excellent attention to detail and fine motor skills for precise needle placement.
They are empathetic, understanding and able to reassure patients who may be nervous about the procedure.
They should also have a keen interest in alternative medicine and a commitment to continuing their education to stay updated with the latest advancements in their field.
Is it difficult to hire Acupuncturist Nurses?
The challenge in hiring Acupuncturist Nurses lies in finding candidates who are not only skilled nurses but also trained and certified in acupuncture.
Since it’s a specialized field, the pool of qualified candidates may be smaller than for other nursing roles.
Offering competitive salaries and continuous training opportunities can help attract the right candidates.
Conclusion
There you have it.
Today, we’ve delved into the invigorating world of an acupuncturist nurse.
And surprise, surprise!
It’s not just about inserting needles.
It’s about promoting holistic healing, one acupuncture point at a time.
Armed with our handy acupuncturist nurse job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take that leap.
But why limit yourself?
Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next stop to meticulously crafted listings or refining your resume to a tee.
Remember:
Every acupuncture point is a step towards overall wellness.
Let’s promote that health. Together.
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