1. Identify at least one challenge associated with a nurse’s role in providing alternative therapies for patient care Alternative therapies are non-conventional interventions that aim to improve the health and well-being of patients. Some examples of alternative therapies are acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage, meditation, yoga, and herbal medicine. Nurses play a vital role in providing alternative therapies for patient care, as they are often the first point of contact and the most trusted source of information for patients. However, nurses also face some challenges associated with this role, such as: - Lack of evidence-based research on the effectiveness and safety of alternative therapies. Nurses need to be aware of the current state of knowledge and the potential risks and benefits of alternative therapies, as well as the ethical and legal implications of recommending or administering them to patients. Nurses also need to be able to critically appraise the quality and validity of the available research and communicate it to patients in an understandable and respectful way. - Lack of education and training on alternative therapies. Nurses may not have sufficient knowledge or skills to provide alternative therapies or to integrate them with conventional treatments. Nurses may also encounter difficulties in finding reliable and credible sources of information or in accessing appropriate training opportunities on alternative therapies. Nurses need to seek continuous professional development and update their competencies on alternative therapies, as well as collaborate with other health professionals who have expertise in this area. - Lack of support and recognition from the health care system and the nursing profession. Nurses may face barriers or resistance from their employers, colleagues, or regulatory bodies when they want to provide alternative therapies or advocate for their inclusion in patient care. Nurses may also experience a lack of recognition or appreciation for their role in providing alternative therapies, or a lack of resources or incentives to do so. Nurses need to promote a culture of openness and respect for alternative therapies within the health care system and the nursing profession, as well as advocate for their integration into policies, standards, and guidelines