For many people (over 3 million in the United States) becoming a registered nurse is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. It is often said that being a nurse is a passion, rather than a simple career. When one considers the long hours on your feet and the remuneration this opinion tends to make sense. Nurses do what they do because they are committed to helping patients. It does not matter the specialization, nurses help usher in new life and comfort those who may be in the last stages of a terminal disease. They treat patients that are recovering from surgery – and, they are there with a sympathetic ear, as well as other treatments and medications.
However, there are increasing numbers of nurses that are becoming disenchanted with the exclusive focus of the Western medical community on exclusively treating symptoms. This may provide immediate relief from symptoms – but the conventional model of care requires that a ‘whole person’ approach needs to be taken in order to ensure that the patient’s needs as far as lifestyle are taken into account. Factors affecting this lifestyle include nutrition, sleep patterns, optimizing movement, mindfulness, and relationships with loved ones.
The disillusionment of RNs has fueled a search for ways in which they can contribute in a more meaningful manner to the lives of their patients – and many have found fulfillment by becoming a registered and accredited nurse coach, leveraging the skills they’ve gained in the medical field and combining that knowledge with lifestyle coaching
A nurse coach will focus on the physical, spiritual, mental, and social needs of the patient – and allow the patient to take control of their wellbeing in order to enjoy an exceptional quality of life.
Becoming a Board-Certified Nurse Coach
The concept of holistic care is one that is rapidly gaining traction in the U.S. There are currently thousands of nurse coaches across the country – and many more in the process of obtaining their Transformative Nurse Coach Certification from organizations like The Nurse Coach Collective.
In order to enjoy the benefits of the nurse coach certification, you will require an active, unrestricted license as an RN. Your specialty or area of practice or how long you’ve been a nurse does not matter.
The evidence-based program consists of various modules with videos and other material to help you on your way. It takes seven months to complete, however, it is important to note that this program is Internet-based and study can take place at your leisure. The online training modules make it possible to continue doing your job and studying at the same time. You will also have the benefit of live support calls and a vibrant online forum where other members of the nurse coach community are ready and willing to share their experiences and offer you all the support you require to obtain your certification.
The Benefits
There are no requirements that a ‘Health Coach’ needs to fulfill in order to practice, however as a nurse coach you will enjoy the benefits of a nationally accredited board certification. The American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corp (AHNCC) requires aspiring Nurse Coaches to prove they are competent and have continued learning credentials prior to becoming Board Certified.
With over three million registered nurses in the United States finding that perfect position can be a challenge. Board certification can provide nurses with a competitive edge.
However, practicing as a nurse coach provides some even more important benefits – some seemingly intangible, but important to the well-being of both patient and nurse. As a nurse coach, you will be in a position to make a real difference in the lives of patients. In fact, recent studies have shown that the recovery rates of patients that receive whole body care are superior to those who simply receive care focusing on symptoms. Patients receiving care from a competent and trained nurse coach are able to resume their balanced life more quickly – and enjoy ongoing benefits that allow them to become integrated back into their communities, families, and social circles.
However, the benefits for nurses are nothing short of life-changing. Most report having regained the passion for what they do and enjoying a more focused professional life. Job satisfaction is one of the most important parts of enjoying a greater quality of life and becoming a nurse coach can provide levels of satisfaction that many nurses simply do not currently experience. Qualified nurse coaches enjoy fulfillment, freedom, and exercise the creativity that is so much a part of being a nurse and assisting patients to navigate the challenges that are part and parcel of returning to full health.
If you are interested in becoming a nurse coach then contact the Nurse Coach Collective today and speak to one of their nurse coaches. It is the first step to regaining your passion as a healer.