Incredible Health Staff

Nurse Types / Nurse Health Coach

What do you get if you cross a life coach with a nursing professional? You end up with a master of the nursing craft uniquely positioned to help clients achieve their goals. Known as nurse health coaches, they combine healing methods with coaching techniques to support clients in their health and wellness objectives. A nurse health coach uses a mix of conventional and holistic treatment options designed to provide a comprehensive foundation for success.

In this article, we will explore:

• What does a nurse health coach do?
• Where do nurse health coaches work?
• How do you become a nurse health coach?
• Are nurse health coach certifications mandatory?
• What are the salary and job outlooks for nurse health coaches?

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What does a nurse health coach do?

Like other nursing professionals, nurse health coaches commit to putting the health and well-being of their patients first. Unlike traditional nurses, a nurse health coach’s methods involve more than the administration of hands-on health care and services.

Nurse health coaches take on all aspects of their client’s health and wellness needs. They can advocate for the approval of health services and procedures on their patients’ behalf or educate clients and their families about health conditions.

Looking at the big picture, nurse health coaches do more than assess immediate health needs. They also can:

• Help patients make informed decisions about their health needs and lifestyles
• Motivate clients to stick with their health and wellness plans
• Speak with doctors and other medical providers to communicate patient expectations
• Strategize treatment plans that include wellness goals

Holistic medicine considers the whole person – body, emotions, mind, and spirit. As holistic practitioners, nurse health coaches must account for academic goals, physical needs, psychological well-being, socio-economic status, and spirituality.

Where do nurse health coaches work?

Most traditional nurses work for health services providers like hospitals, home healthcare services, and physician offices. While there is some adaptability in their work environment, they do not enjoy the same level of freedom as nurse health coaches. There is ample flexibility in where a nurse health coach can work. Some choose employment with health insurance companies, while others opt to work as independent consultants.

Wherever they choose to work, nurse health coaches must be good listeners and skilled communicators. They will use their talents to help patients adapt to chronic health issues and become active participants in creating and meeting their health and wellness goals.

How do you become a nurse health coach?

It takes several years of education and the right nursing license to work in this innovative health career. Nurse health coaches must learn the basics of healthcare while picking up essential techniques for relationship building with their clients. They must also prioritize learning skills that position them to identify a patient’s issues and craft a set of goals and opportunities to overcome them.

Nurse health coaches must become licensed registered nurses (RNs) to work in their field. While a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is not required to become an RN, taking this extra step adds validity to your occupational expertise. Many employers prefer a nurse health coach with a BSN versus an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). There is a popular bridge program that allows you to go from an ADN to a BSN in as little as 12-18 months.

It takes four years to earn a BSN from an accredited nursing program. Once you complete your BSN, you are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. The test includes between 75 and 256 questions to test your nursing knowledge and skills. You have six hours to complete the exam, including scheduled break times.

The next step is to gain relevant work experience. You can apply for entry-level nurse health coach positions or work as an RN in any healthcare setting.

Are nurse health coach certifications mandatory?

Nurse health coach certification is recommended but not required by most employers. Pursuing certification adds a layer of expertise to your resume, making you a more attractive candidate. Nurses can apply for two types of nurse health coach certification:

Integrative Nurse Coach Certificate Program: This certificate is offered by the International Nurse Coach Association and consists of a two-part process that tests your ability to perform conventional healthcare. To qualify for this certification, you must be an RN with two years of relevant experience. You also must hold a BSN, complete 60 contact hours, and have 60 hours of coaching experience.

Holistic Nurse Board Certified (HN-BC): The American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (AHNCC) tests your knowledge of alternative medicine practices such as aromatherapy and yoga. To qualify, you must have your RN license, one year of full-time holistic nursing experience, 40 hours of continuing education units in holistic nurse practices, and a degree from a nationally-accredited nursing program.

What are the salary and job outlooks for nurse health coaches?

According to ZipRecruiter, the average base pay for an RN Health Coach is about $60,000. Some of the highest wage earners gross $103,500. The top cities for nurse health coach annual salaries include San Jose, CA at $77,669 and Tanaina, AK at $76,427.

[ Looking for more information? Get instant salary estimates and personalized matches with high-paying nursing jobs. ]

With more people making health and wellness a priority, the need for nurse health coaches will continue to grow. Check out all the available job openings for this exciting nursing career on the Incredible Health Jobs Board. 

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Nursing Degrees & Schools / BSN

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an undergraduate degree for students pursuing a career in nursing. A BSN opens avenues of opportunity not available to those with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). BSNs are given more responsibility than their ADN counterparts and qualify for supervisory roles and higher salaries.

Roughly 56% of registered nurses in the U.S. have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, compared with just 49% a decade ago. A 2019 survey revealed 82.1% of healthcare organizations indicated that an advanced degree was a top consideration during the hiring process. 

In this article, we will cover:

• Who should pursue a BSN?
• How long does it take to earn a BSN?
• What are the options for earning a BSN?
• How do you choose a BSN program?
• What are specialty certifications?
• How much does a BSN degree cost?
• What are the career and salary outlooks for nurses with a BSN?

Who should pursue a BSN?

Nurses who are already working in their field are an obvious choice for pursuing a BSN. RNs who are working without a Bachelor of Science in Nursing may wish to pursue this advanced degree to help open doors to more opportunities and higher wages.

Any professional who holds a bachelor’s degree in another field, but would like to switch careers to nursing, is also an ideal candidate. The time spent in nursing school is significantly reduced if a person already holds a bachelor’s degree in another field. They can use that degree to fulfill all general prerequisites which offer the ability to focus on coursework specific to nursing.

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How long does it take to earn a BSN?

Nursing candidates who are just beginning their journey can expect to spend up to four years earning their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited nursing program. They are required to take liberal arts courses to fulfill general education requirements as part of their studies. Additional courses specific to their nursing specialty of choice also are part of a BSN program. They include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Assessment of Health and Illness
• Community Health Nursing
• Health Maintenance and Restoration
• Health Promotion/Risk Reeducation
• Leadership and Management
• Mental Health
• Nursing Care
• Pathophysiology
• Pharmacology
• Psychology
• Reproductive Health

BSN degree programs also include clinical training hours. The exact number of hours depends on the BSN program you choose, but the recommended ratio is three clinical learning hours per every one hour of classroom time.

If someone is already an RN and has completed an ADN, they may qualify for an RN-BSN bridge program that speeds up the process. This is discussed in more detail later in the article.

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What are the options for earning a BSN?

Once a nurse decides a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is the right choice for advancing their nursing career, there are several degree pathways to help get you there.

A traditional BSN program is the most common route. Students who have not previously graduated from a post-graduate program can attend a BSN program on a part-time or full-time basis. If attending school full-time, requirements should be completed within four years.

An excellent way to earn a BSN degree is the RN-to-BSN bridge program. It is the best choice for RNs with an ADN who want to advance their career and knowledge of nursing. This program accelerates learning by allowing a nurse to test out of some required coursework. Some RN-to-BSN programs are offered online, making it easier to fit schooling into a nurse’s busy schedule.

The final option is called an Accelerated BSN. It is unique and intended for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another area. Since general prerequisites have already been completed, the focus is on nursing coursework and clinical hours. This program usually takes 11 to 18 months to complete. Accelerated BSN programs often are available online, making them convenient for students who need to continue working in their current positions while attending school.

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How do you choose a BSN program?

Always make sure to choose a nursing program that is accredited by an approved accrediting body. Check if the school has been approved by an accrediting agency. If the BSN program you are considering is not accredited, consider enrolling elsewhere.

Quality BSN programs also share the following information with prospective students:

• The pass rate for the National Council Licensure Exam for RNs (NCLEX-RN)
• The percentage of recent graduates working as nurses
• The student-to-faculty ratio

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What are specialty certifications once you have a BSN?

Once someone has a BSN and passed the NCLEX-RN, and if they are not already an RN, they can opt to pursue specialty certifications in their chosen field. There are about 40 professional nursing boards or centers that offer specialty certification programs for nurses. Here is a small sampling:

ORGANIZATION	CERTIFICATIONS
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)	Ambulatory Care Cardiac/Vascular Medical-Surgical Pain Management
Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB)	Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN®) Certified in Care Coordination and Transition Management (CCCTM®)
Rehabilitation Nursing Certification Board (RNCB)	Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN®)

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How much does a BSN degree cost?

There are a lot of factors involved when determining the cost of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Where the school is located, whether it is a private program or state school, and the choice of commuting or living on campus. Four-year BSN programs typically cost between $72,000 and $104,000 for tuition, plus additional costs for books, fees, housing, and meals.

If a nurse is already working in the profession, they should check with their employer for possible benefits they offer for going back to school. Some offer tuition reimbursement or other financial assistance. There also are organizations that provide scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $7,500 or more. Grants for students who demonstrate financial need are available from the federal government. Eligibility is determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Student loans and repayment plans are other options for those who qualify.

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What are the career and salary outlooks for nurses who have a BSN?

RNs with Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees are in high demand, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Job growth for RNs is expected to increase by 6% between 2021 and 2031. That is faster than the average for all other careers for the same period. Nurses with BSNs earn impressive annual salaries. The best states for nurses with BSNs include:

• Washington – $93,772
• New York – $87,488
• New Hampshire – $84,739
• California – $83,471
• Vermont – $80,022

Looking for open nursing positions where you can use your BSN? Check out our jobs board to find the perfect match. 

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Many hospitals and facilities choose to cross-train nurses to increase flexibility and durability for the staff, among other things. This article will explore the various ways that cross-training nurses benefit both the individual nurses and the hospital or facility to which they belong:  

• Increase marketability
• Gain knowledge
• Gain flexibility
• Develop mentorship opportunities
• Increase durability
• Increase employee motivation
• How to find cross-training opportunities

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Increase marketability 

As a nurse, it’s crucial to have a wide variety of skills to present to employers. This is an essential part of when a nurse decides to look for another job. When applying for new jobs, employers want to see how much that nurse has to offer. While it’s good to have a specialty, employers want to have someone they can count on to fill staffing gaps when necessary. 

Additionally, it is also essential for nurses who aren’t planning on leaving a job. Having an eclectic mix of skills gives nurses extra value which is critical when determining raises and promotions. 

Gain knowledge

Nurses must continue to learn throughout their careers. Beyond taking continuing education units, which are often dedicated to a specific type of nursing, nurses need to learn many different skills. 

Knowledge is power in the nursing field. Many fields are closely related and can reinforce or help clarify another field in nursing. Staying current with the latest information as a nurse is a great way to maintain relevance. 

Gain flexibility

By learning new skills from cross-training, nurses can play many different roles within the facility or hospital. It’s difficult when hospitals only have specialists within their units. Having people who can fill various positions is critical. 

Flexibility also helps a hospital with scheduling. It gives them more options when it comes to choosing the right people to fill specific roles. 

Develop mentorship opportunities

Mentorship plays a vital role in nursing. It provides nurses with an opportunity to learn from someone else and develop a relationship as well. Most nurses will both receive mentorship or mentor another nurse at some point in their career. 

When nurses cross-train, it opens up more opportunities for mentorship to take place. Mentorship also boosts morale and camaraderie. 

Increase durability

Cross-training nurses creates an opportunity for hospitals and facilities to have more depth in general. When nurses get sick or transfer to new hospitals, the facility can potentially replace them if more nurses are cross-trained. Hospitals are put in vulnerable situations when most of the staff are specialists. 

Increases employee motivation 

Sometimes employees feel stuck within a specific role. They may be blocked from promotion by other employees or just bored with their position. Providing cross-training for nurses allows individuals a chance to leave roles that are growing stale for them. It boosts morale and employee motivation as a result, which increases patient satisfaction overall. 

How to find cross-training opportunities 

The best way to find cross-training opportunities as a nurse is to chat with the staff in the desired unit. Getting to know the other nurses helps build rapport and will also teach the nurse about the unit in general. Next, if a nurse gets a good impression of the unit, they can connect with the leadership for the opportunity to shadow. 

Some of the easiest units to cross-train nurses include: 

• Progressive Care Unit to Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
• Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit to Cath Lab
• ICU to Post Anesthesia Care Unit
• Med/Surg to Telemetry Nurse

If your current employer won’t support your interest in cross-training, you may need to consider taking a role elsewhere with a hospital that does. Many employers on Incredible Health readily embrace hiring nurses interested in cross-training for new specialties, such as Renown Hospital in Nevada and MercyOne in Iowa.

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