For the last almost 30 years, chronic illness has been on the rise.  At least 47% of the U.S population, which is roughly 150 million Americans, suffer from at least one chronic disease.  A more astounding number, almost 30 million Americans are living with five or more chronic conditions.  In people over 60 the percentage spikes to 80%. Children are no strangers to chronic illness these past 30 years either.  About 27 million children in America suffer from at least one chronic disease.  These conditions for our population as a whole, account for more than 70% of deaths in the United States a year.  

These diseases don’t come cheap for the United States. Chronic illness totals an estimated 84% of all health care costs.  These diseases/conditions include but are not limited to autoimmune dysfunction, depression, anxiety, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and arthritis.  The common factors in all of these diseases and or conditions are lifestyle and health behaviors. Specialists and primary care physicians take on a huge task by “managing” these chronic conditions.  85% of primary care visits are stress-related.  However, the idea of working with a patient using a whole-body/whole-person approach becomes lost in a busy hustle and bustle family care setting. Que the need and benefits of working with a Nurse Coach.

What is a Nurse Coach?

Nurse coaches are Registered Nurses who are already experts in health and wellness but have been trained in helping patients achieve their health goals on their own terms. The patient is the expert in the nurse coach/patient relationship. The Nurse Coach uses skills such as deep listening, motivational interviewing, imagery, mindfulness, presence, reflection, and cognitive reframing. They recognize that a patient can not be treated solely based on a symptom, body organ, or biological data. The nurse coach process is grounded in the holistic nursing process, taught to keep an open mind and focus on a patient’s physical, psychological, social, emotional, spiritual, and environmental well-being. For decades nurses have been voted as one of the most trusted professionals in the world. This allows the nurse to guide patients, in a trusting nurturing relationship, to develop healthy independent decisions for their future.  

A nurse coaches’ expertise and care are further amplified by practicing self-care, centering, self-evaluation, and more to ensure they’re prepared and equipped to help guide patients to a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle.

The nurse coaching process is strengthened by the self-development of the nurse themselves.  The nurse coach participates in ongoing self-reflection, self-assessment, self-evaluation, and self-care. Most nurse coaches are treated by other nurse coaches as well. Nurse coaches are role models, so they engage and promote the lifestyle changes that they help patients pursue. 

With an aging population, a world full of increased toxins, a never-ending menu of processed foods, and a healthcare system focused on disease management instead of disease prevention-professionals such as Nurse Coaches are needed more than ever. 

At Integrated Wellness Clinic, the Nurse Coach role is an integral part of a patient’s journey. We recognize that coaching may not be for everyone but can be beneficial for patients across the spectrum of care.  The Nurse Coach partners with the patient in all areas of care including stress reduction, pain reduction techniques, nutritional guidance, physical activity, supplement, and medication management, food planning, and more. The nurse coach can work independently with patients or under the guidance of our practitioners. Anytime is a good time to include nurse coaching as a part of your health and wellness journey. Contact us today and ask to see if working with our Nurse Coach is the right fit for you!