Intensive Care, Outpatient Surgery, Aesthetics, Education, and Nursing Leadership
You have probably heard of a health coach before, but did you know that they have a niche for nurses, too? I didn’t!
A nurse health coach is a newer, up-and-coming career option for nurses. So, what do they do?
These coaches utilize their nursing background and expertise to encourage and support others to adopt and lead healthy lifestyles.
As nurses, we already do that for our patients in a way – encouraging and teaching them how to make healthy choices; however, this is a nurse health coach’s primary focus.
According to The Institute for Integrative Nutrition nurse health coaches utilize their training to help patients achieve a holistic lifestyle as well as setting and achieving wellness goals.
Additionally, they collaborate with physicians and express the interests, wishes, and goals of their patients.
A nurse health coach works with populations who have chronic health issues, such as diabetes or heart problems.
Since their primary focus serves as an educator, they teach individuals how to cope with their chronic illnesses and empower them to make choices that will lead to fewer complications.
Many nurse health coaches start their own practice, but they can also be hired by insurance companies or other large corporations to educate its members about lifestyle changes that will further promote health and prevent future complications.
Although most tend to provide general, all-encompassing health advice, a nurse health coach can also specialize in specific illnesses. For example, some coaches may work with patients who want to learn about general health and wellness promotion while others may have clients who struggle with weight loss and want to learn how to improve it. 
There are several benefits of working in such a specialized role; some of them include a flexible schedule where you can create your own hours, being in a role that they love, and a nice salary.
Every nurse wants more autonomy, right? With this role, you will have a lot of it!
You will make a major impact on your patient’s lives as a nurse health coach. You will be their mentor, accountability partner, therapist, and hand-holder.
When you teach patients to take care of themselves, you are empowering their lives in more ways than you can imagine.
Many nurse health coaches are extremely fulfilled by their work as they get to see tangible growth and change in their patient’s lives for the better.
As the population’s health continues to decline and an increasing number of people recognize the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle, the demand for nurse health coaches will grow.
Do you think that you have what it takes to become a nurse health coach?
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