Nurse Coaching is Changing the World

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Nurse coaches are emerging as a dynamic force in the world of healthcare, bringing about transformative changes that extend beyond traditional nursing roles. These skilled professionals, equipped with a profound understanding of healthcare systems and the power of coaching, are revolutionizing the way healthcare is delivered and experienced.

Nurse coaching is a relatively new branch of nursing practice. In fact, the first edition of “The Art & Science of Nurse Coaching”, which is THE handbook you need to learn about the nurse coaching certification process, was only first published in 2013. This book defines professional nurse coaching as “a skilled, purposeful, results-oriented, and structured relationship and person-centered interaction with a healthcare consumer that is provided by a baccalaureate-prepared or advanced practice registered nurse for the purpose of promoting achievement of a person’s goals.” (Southard, Dossey, Bark, Schaub, 2021.)

This definition however, only tells a very small slice of the story of nurse coaching. Nurses have been widely known as the most-trusted profession, and are often the ones at the patient’s bedside for the highest percentage of time. The experience of a nurse in today’s world gives them an edge as a coach - nurses work with a variety of people, from birth to death and everything in between. Nurses are highly skilled and knowledgeable while also compassionate and have incredible intuition (sometimes known as “spidey-senses”).

Nurse coaches are changing the world by providing patients with personalized care, empowering them to take charge of their health, and fostering a holistic approach to well-being. They form deep connections with patients and clients, taking the time to truly understand their unique needs and concerns. Through active listening and effective communication, nurse coaches encourage patients to actively participate in their health journeys. This patient-centered approach not only enhances the quality of care but also promotes long-term well-being, as patients are more likely to adhere to treatment plans and make healthier lifestyle choices when they feel seen, supported, understood, and heard, and have the opportunity to co-create their plan of care.

Furthermore, nurse coaches are at the forefront of promoting holistic health. They recognize that well-being encompasses not only physical health but also emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects. By addressing the whole person, nurse coaches are helping patients achieve a state of balance and vitality. This shift towards holistic healthcare is redefining our understanding of well-being and promoting a more comprehensive approach to health management. In a world where the role of healthcare professionals is constantly evolving, nurse coaches are paving the way for a brighter, healthier, and more patient-centric future. Their ability to nurture relationships, inspire self-care, and embrace a holistic perspective is reshaping the healthcare landscape and changing lives for the better.

Nurse coaching started as a health and wellness profession providing for patients, and has evolved over these short amount of years as a profession into something so much more. Nurse coaches are implementing new positions within hospitals, clinics, and even healthcare organizations. Nurse coaches are working in large and small corporations, to improve the health and wellbeing of employees and their leaders. Nurse coaches are developing educational programs and continuing education, like we do at The Educated Nurse Coach, and building business coaching platforms to scale and elevate the nurse coaching profession. Nurse coaches are helping other nurses with burnout and compassion fatigue, and even helping them write their own stories and tell the world what they have experienced in the nursing profession. Nurse coaches are truly transforming healthcare and healing the world.

Nurse coaches are LEADERS, the early adopters, the ones going first. It really is an exciting time to be a nurse coach. If you’d like to know more about nurse coaching or how to become a nurse coach, please reach out to us at info@theeducatednursecoach.com. We would love to support you and share our journey with you.

References

Southard, M., Dossey, B., Bark, L., & Schaub, B. The Art & Science of Nurse Coaching: The Provider’s Guide to Coaching Scope & Competencies. ANA. 2021. Professional Nursing Scope of Practice, pp 7-70.

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