Are you a nurse who believes in the power of compassionate care and supporting people during their wellness journeys? If so, there is a transformative role that awaits you: becoming a nurse health coach. In this post, we delve into the world of nurse health coaching and how our team can empower you to make a difference. That said, let’s get into the journey of nurse health coaching and the potential it holds for transforming patient care.
What is a Nurse Health Coach?
A nurse health coach is a registered nurse (RN) who has undergone specialized training and certification in health coaching. They combine their nursing expertise with coaching techniques to support people in achieving their health and wellness goals. A nurse health coach focuses on holistic care and works closely with patients to develop personalized wellness plans, identify health barriers, and help patients make sustainable lifestyle changes.
Unlike conventional nursing roles that primarily focus on diagnosis and treatment, nurse health coaches take a proactive approach to care. They empower patients to actively participate in their own health management, offering guidance, education, and support throughout the process.
Why Become a Nurse Health Coach?
As registered nurses, we get into the medical field with the aim of helping others. Nurse coaching, however, provides an opportunity to help even more individuals while facilitating holistic healing. Some of the noteworthy benefits of becoming a nurse health coach include:
1. Flexibility- By getting into nurse health coaching, you gain far more control over your schedule and tasks. You can work remotely, unlike nurses who are usually tied to their physical locations.
2. Fulfillment- You have control over the party you work with. You can work more closely with your patients and witness the impact you make every day.
3. Variety- There are more opportunities to work as a nurse health coach, ranging from medical facilities and hospitals to starting your own business.
4. Faster Specialization- As a nurse, a lot of studying is necessary before specializing in a certain medical field. As a coach, however, you can pick the area you have the most experience and most interest in. This can be weight loss coaching, wellness coaching, etc.
5. Competitive Edge- Becoming a nurse health coach gives you a competitive edge in the nursing domain. There are only several thousand certified nurse coaches in the United States compared to the millions of nurses. Getting into this field can make it easier in securing a position at a medical facility, private practice, or group practice.
The Journey of Becoming a Nurse Health Coach
Becoming a nurse health coach is a great way to make a real difference in both your personal and professional life. But just how do you become one? Of course, the process calls for additional study and practice, but everyone who has taken our training program has testified that it was one of their most rewarding decisions. So, here are the steps to becoming a nurse health coach:
Get a Nursing Degree
The initial step is to become a licensed registered nurse. There are several accredited nursing programs including:
-A bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN)
-An associate in nursing degree
-Nursing diploma
The right route depends on the time you’re willing to dedicate to your studies, your medical field of interest, and your budget.
Get Coaching Certification
This is not mandatory, but some organizations may ask for certification. Also, complementing your RN with coaching certification helps you specialize in certain areas like infant care. When it comes to certification, you have the following options, which can be achieved by enrolling in our program.
(i) Nurse Coach – Board Certified (NC-BC)
According to the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (AHNCC), eligibility requirements are as follows:
-Unrestricted, current United States registered nurse license.
-Practiced as a registered nurse for at least 2 years full-time or 4000 hours part-time in the last 5 years. This applies to a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing.
-Practiced as a registered nurse for at least 4 years full-time or 8000 hours part-time in the last 7 years if you hold a diploma or associate degree in nursing.
-Completed at least 60 CNEs, accrued for a period of 3 years.
-60 hours of coaching experience that has been supervised or mentored by a certified nurse coach supervisor.
-Agree to the terms stipulated in the Candidate’s Agreement with AHNCC and sign the Application to show attestment.
(ii) Health & Wellness Nurse Coach- Board Certified (HWNC-BC)
Eligibility requirements include:
-Nurse Coach Board Certification
-Holistic Nursing Board certification
With both certifications, you automatically become HWNC-BC.
Become a Nurse Health Coach by Partnering with the Best!
Becoming a nurse health coach requires dedication and a commitment to lifelong learning. Nurse Coach Collective offers you a structured and comprehensive pathway to acquire the necessary skills. Our training program covers a vast array of topics, including motivational interviewing, behavior change strategies, wellness coaching techniques, and much more. With the guidance of our seasoned mentors and the support of fellow nurse health coaches, you will gain confidence in your abilities and hone your coaching skills.
Get in touch today to learn more!
