A nurse health coach is a professional who performs two important jobs in one role. For example, what do you get when you cross a life coach with a registered nurse? You end up with a unique and somewhat new profession known as a nurse health coach. A nurse coach is a unique and inherently powerful human being because he or she chooses to pursue something better than the status quo. In fact, these professionals refuse to work in the ordinary healthcare system and want to create a practice that’s truly extraordinary. If you are considering the option of becoming a nurse health coach, you have come to the right place. This article provides information on some of the many advantages of becoming a nurse coach.
A nurse coach is trained to connect with patients on a deeper level. For example, they are trained to use body language, eye contact, intentional language, and even silence to build relationships that last a lifetime. Like any other nursing professional, a nurse coach is also committed to putting the health and well-being of their patient first. But they take a holistic approach to health and well-being where they stimulate a healing response from within the patient’s mind-body system. They are well-trained and experienced in using alternative medicines and other holistic approaches to healing their patients. Nurse coaches look at the bigger picture when it comes to the health and well-being of their patients. These professionals can:
- Motivate patients to stick to their health and wellness plans
- Help the patient to make an informed decision when it comes to their health and lifestyle needs
- Strategize effective treatment plans to suit the wellness goals of the patient
- Talk to doctors and other healthcare providers about their patient expectations
Holistic medicine considers the whole person including his/her mind, body, spirit, and emotions. The nurse coach should consider the academic goals, psychological well-being, spirituality, physical needs, and socioeconomic status before deciding to work with them.
What Does A Nurse Health Coach Really Do?
A nurse coach is specially trained to help patients manage their long-term health and wellness goals. They work with the patient to create effective plans to address the specific needs of each patient. They work with individual patients, hospitals, home healthcare services, physician offices, and many other places. Some even choose to be employed with health insurance companies since there is great flexibility when it comes to where a nurse coach can work. Here are some of the most common duties of a nurse coach:
- Establish customized wellness goals and objectives for each patient. The coach will act as a guide or mentor to help the patient establish his/her wellness goals and objectives. You should help the patient set up realistic goals and make positive lifestyle changes in order to achieve these goals. The nurse coach will be an invaluable resource for any patient who wants to improve his/her health and well-being.
- Devise wellness strategies in order to reduce high-risk behaviors. A nurse coach helps devise the right wellness strategies for patients who are already at risk of developing chronic health conditions over time. The patient will learn how to change some of his/her lifestyle habits to reduce the chances of developing severe health problems. The coach will guide and support each patient on numerous topics including exercise, nutrition, smoking habits, stress management, and more.
- Evaluate the patient’s progress. As a nursing coach, you are supposed to evaluate the progress of the patient towards his/her wellness goals. You will review the medical history of the patient, assess his/her current health status, evaluate their current lifestyle habits, and develop an effective plan to help the patient reach his or her wellness goals easily. You will motivate the patient along the way and encourage them to reach their goals within the shortest possible timeframe.
- Collaborate with the patient’s healthcare providers. Another job function of a nursing coach is to communicate with the patient’s healthcare provider to make sure everyone is on the same page regarding the patient’s goals. You should communicate with the patient’s healthcare providers on a regular basis to review the progress of the patient. Everyone should be aware of any changes to the patient’s healthcare plan. That’s the best way to make sure the patient receives the best possible care over time.
If you are planning to become a nurse health coach, you should follow the Nurse Coach Certification Program offered by The Nurse Coach Collective. The mission of Nurse Coach Collective is to provide the most extraordinary path for nurses to become world-class Nurse Coaches. It’s an immersive study program that traditional nursing programs forgot to teach you. They have designed this program to be highly effective and flexible in order to suit your needs and budget requirements.