Yoga Foundations for Nurses
Build Resilience, Nervous System Regulation, and Sustainable Self-Care Through Applied Yoga Philosophy
Nursing asks a great deal of your body and your nervous system, often with little time built in to recover. Yoga Foundations for Nurses is an entry-level, self-paced certification that introduces applied yoga philosophy, therapeutic movement, and practical self-care tools designed specifically for the demands of clinical work — so you can build resilience for yourself while deepening how you support your patients.
Why Enroll in Yoga Foundations?
- Learn the 8 Limbs of YogaUnderstand how yoga philosophy applies directly to a richer, more grounded clinical practice.
- Support Nervous System RegulationUse psychosomatic and postural tools to manage the physical and emotional demands of nursing.
- Prevent Injury & Chronic PainLearn ergonomics and movement strategies that protect your body over a long nursing career.
- Practical Tools You Can Use On ShiftRestorative yoga, myofascial release, Yoga Nidra, and breathwork designed for real bedside conditions.
- Earn 8 Continuing Nursing Education Contact HoursApproved by the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA #1990).
Course Curriculum
Module 1: Applied Yoga Philosophy — The 8 Limbs of Yoga
Discover the 8 Limbs of Yoga and how philosophy applies to a richer clinical practice.
Module 2: Therapeutics of Yoga — Psychosomatic Healing, Posture, and Pain Relief
Explore the therapeutic applications of yoga for physical and emotional health, with a focus on the unique demands of nursing. Learn how yoga supports nervous system regulation, psychosomatic healing, improved ergonomics, and chronic pain management.
Module 3 & 4: Practical Yoga Tools for Nurses — Rest, Release, and Sustainable Energy
Hands-on techniques for immediate self-care and patient support: restorative yoga, myofascial release, Yoga Nidra, and breathwork for focus and concentration — designed specifically for bedside nurses.
Who Should Enroll?
This certification is ideal for nurses experiencing burnout, physical strain, or compassion fatigue who want practical, evidence-informed tools for self-regulation — along with a foundation for supporting patients through yoga-informed care. No prior yoga experience is required.
Disclosures & Approval
To successfully complete this course and receive 8 contact hours, participants must:
- View 90% of all enduring video content
- Complete a post-test with a score of 80% or higher
Course taught by Dr. Vanessa Ruiz, ND, RN-BSN. This is an online course. After registration, participants receive an educational portal to access modules online.
No one with the ability to control content of this activity has a relevant financial relationship(s) to disclose with an ineligible company.
This nursing continuing professional development activity was approved by the American Holistic Nurses Association, recognized as an approver of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
AHNA #1990 · Approved Through 3/18/2028
Approval for contact hours through the American Holistic Nurses Association is based on an assessment of the educational merit of this program and does not constitute endorsement of the use of any specific modality in the care of clients.
What Nurses Are Saying
"This course is well worth the time and money!! I found the combination of coursework and actual yoga practices a great combination. And so important for nurses to have as another tool for both clients and for self-care!"
"Dr. Vanessa is so knowledgeable and kind. I am so inspired with the applications to my nursing practice."
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior yoga experience?
No. This course is designed as an entry point, with no prior yoga experience required.
Is this course fully self-paced?
Yes. All modules are on-demand, so you can complete them entirely on your own schedule.
What if I want to go further after this course?
Yoga Foundations is the entry point in our yoga pathway. You can continue on to the Therapeutic Yoga Certificate or the full 200-Hour Teacher Training.
Do I need any equipment?
A yoga mat and comfortable clothing are recommended. Blocks or pillows can be helpful but are not required.
Are payment plans available?
Yes. Flexible payment options are available at checkout.
Yoga Foundations for Nurses
Self-paced. Start anytime.
- Unlimited lifetime access to course
- 8 AHNA-approved contact hours
- Entry point to the full Yoga Certification pathway
Explore Our Other Holistic Nursing Certifications
Ready to Continue Your Yoga Pathway?
Explore the Therapeutic Yoga Certificate, our full Yoga Teacher Training, or browse all our holistic nursing certifications.
See the Full Yoga PathwayYoga Foundations for Nurses
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Lesson 2: Therapeutics of Yoga: Psychosomatic Healing, Posture, and Pain Relief
This module explores the therapeutic applications of yoga for physical and emotional health, with a focus on the unique demands of nursing. Participants will learn how yoga supports nervous system regulation, psychosomatic healing, improved ergonomics, and chronic pain management, while developing practical strategies to reduce strain, prevent injury, and enhance long-term well-being.
This module explores the therapeutic applications of yoga for physical and emotional health, with a focus on the unique demands of nursing. Participants will learn how yoga supports nervous system regulation, psychosomatic healing, improved ergonomics, and chronic pain management, while developing practical strategies to reduce strain, prevent injury, and enhance long-term well-being.
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Lesson 3: Practical Yoga Tools for Nurses: Rest, Release, and Sustainable Energy
This experiential module provides hands-on techniques nurses can use immediately for self-care and patient support. Participants will practice restorative yoga, myofascial release, yoga nidra, breathwork for focus and concentration, and yoga techniques designed specifically for bedside nurses. The emphasis is on simple, effective practices that restore energy, improve recovery, and support mental clarity in demanding clinical settings.
This experiential module provides hands-on techniques nurses can use immediately for self-care and patient support. Participants will practice restorative yoga, myofascial release, yoga nidra, breathwork for focus and concentration, and yoga techniques designed specifically for bedside nurses. The emphasis is on simple, effective practices that restore energy, improve recovery, and support mental clarity in demanding clinical settings.
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Lesson 4: Practical Yoga Tools for Nurses: Rest, Release, and Sustainable Energy
This experiential module provides hands-on techniques nurses can use immediately for self-care and patient support. Participants will practice restorative yoga, myofascial release, yoga nidra, breathwork for focus and concentration, and yoga techniques designed specifically for bedside nurses. The emphasis is on simple, effective practices that restore energy, improve recovery, and support mental clarity in demanding clinical settings.
This experiential module provides hands-on techniques nurses can use immediately for self-care and patient support. Participants will practice restorative yoga, myofascial release, yoga nidra, breathwork for focus and concentration, and yoga techniques designed specifically for bedside nurses. The emphasis is on simple, effective practices that restore energy, improve recovery, and support mental clarity in demanding clinical settings.
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