Nurse coaching is an innovative new field within the nursing profession that blends nursing expertise with coaching principles to support individuals in achieving their health and wellness goals. Nurse coaching became a formal specialty within nursing in the early 21st century. As nurse coaching continues to grow, a new subdivision of nurse coach has emerged: the Nurse Life Coach.
How is a Nurse Life Coach different from a Nurse Coach?
The nurse life coach is trained to support the whole person in empowering them to grow in every area of life, not just health and wellness. These areas include a client’s:
Environment: their physical surroundings and how the impact on their well-being.
Health: Physical and mental.
Career: Job satisfaction, career progression, skill development, and work-life balance.
Finance: Financial stability and security
Family & Relationships: Quality of relationships with family, friends, and partners.
Personal Development: Self-improvement and the pursuit of personal goals.
Spirituality: Connection to personal beliefs and values.
Recreation & Leisure: Activities for relaxation and enjoyment.
The Nurse Life Coach Approach:
Nurse life coaches see clients as whole. They are trained in foundational nurse coach theory and other models used by the International Coaching Federation to focus on personal transformation. They do not diagnose, treat, or manage diseases, but rather explore, collaborate, and support clients in creating future-focused, action-oriented plans.
The goal of a nurse life coach is to use conversation and powerful questions to help clients connect with their own resourcefulness and capability. The nurse coach isn’t afraid of emotions, circumstances, or the intensity that their client may experience. The nurse coach is a calm and loving presence that is patient, understanding,, and isn’t in a rush to fix or or change their client.
We meet the clients where they are, not where we want them to be.
What a Nurse Life Coach is Not…
Nurse life coaches are not therapists, counselors, consultants, mentors, or teachers. We draw on all of our knowledge and speak about it in a way that doesn’t cross these boundaries.
Coaching vs Therapy
- Coaching is future-focused, helping (already) functional individuals become exceptional, while therapy addresses past issues to restore emotional and mental health.
Coaching vs Consulting
- Coaches help clients generate their own solutions, while consultants diagnose problems and prescribe solutions.
Coaching vs Mentoring
- Coaches focus on discovering a client’s innate resourcefulness, while mentors provide guidance based on their own personal or professional experience.
Coaching vs Teaching
- Coaching is less linear and does not follow a set curriculum, unlike training programs.
Life coaching draws from a range of disciplines which is why at times there is confusion as to what falls under the umbrella of coaching. By understanding how coaching differs from other professions, you gain a clearer picture of what nurse life coaches do and how they can be of benefit you.
As a Nurse Life Coach, I understand the challenges of balancing all aspects of life. It’s not about perfection, but about progress and creating a life that aligns with your values. If you’re feeling ready to explore what’s possible, let’s connect and start the conversation.
At Called to Care Coaching, we’re here to help you navigate the challenges of nursing while finding joy and balance in your career. Schedule your free 30-minute session today https://scheduler.zoom.us/coachaileenv/discovery-call
Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or professional advice.
Leave a Reply