Should I spend $2,000 for a Nurse Coach certificate course?

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

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I have wanted to do telephone support for patients for a while (unable to work away from home).  I saw an ad for a nurse coaching course (which is what I want to do), but wonder 1) how to get a job doing coaching and 2) whether the course that is being marketed is worth paying over $2,000 for.  There is a "certification" but when I research that, it really only relates to CE's.  I can get those for free!  Thanks, Beth  (Also, it's been a while, and I am not 100% certain of my allnurses user name!)

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

I'm so glad you didn't pay $2,000 for a nurse coaching course that awards a certificate, but not board certification.

Nurse Coach Certification

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association (ANA), does not administer a board certification exam for Nurse Coach.

However, ANCC recognizes the credential provided by the International Nurse Coach Association (INCA), which administers the Nurse Coach Certification Exam.

So, in other words, the Nurse Coach certification offered by INCA is legit, although not provided by ANCC directly.

The course offered by INCA costs approximately $4,000 and can result in ANCC-recognized certification.

While certification would definitely add to your credibility, that's a lot to invest and may not be neccessary for landing a job or guaranteeing a job, just something to think about. Many nurse coach jobs listed on indeed.com (job board) do not require certification or list it as "preferable".

Nurse Coaching Jobs

Start by building your brand and network.

  • Create an online presence: Build a professional website or social media profiles (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook) where you can showcase your expertise, certifications (if applicable), and services. Even if you're just getting started, sharing tips, articles, and your journey can attract potential clients or employers.
  • Network within nursing and wellness communities: Join relevant groups on LinkedIn, Facebook, or professional forums. Engaging with other nurse coaches or holistic nurses can help you find job opportunities and gather recommendations.
  • Use your current contacts: Reach out to colleagues from your nursing career, as well as friends, family, and other professionals. Let them know you're looking for coaching roles or clients, as word-of-mouth can be powerful in the wellness space.

Research Nurse Coaching Platforms and Companies

Some companies and online platforms are looking for nurse coaches to work directly with clients, especially in wellness, chronic disease management, or health coaching.

  • Telehealth and health coaching companies: Companies like Noom, Health Coach Institute, Teladoc Health, and TrestleTree may hire nurses for virtual coaching roles. 
  • Some health insurance companies or healthcare systems might have coaching programs, especially for chronic disease management, mental health, or wellness. Explore positions through major healthcare systems or organizations such as:
    • American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA)
    • International Nurse Coach Association (INCA)
    • Health and wellness companies (e.g., Fitbit Health Coach, Aetna, UnitedHealth Group)

Check Job Boards and Career Websites

While nurse coaching is a niche, there are job boards and websites where healthcare jobs, including coaching roles, are listed.

  • Indeed: Look for "Nurse Coach" or "Health Coach" positions.
  • FlexJobs: It's a great place to find remote or part-time nursing jobs, including wellness coaching.
  • LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn's job search feature to look for Nurse Coach positions or Wellness Coach roles.
  • SimplyHired: Another platform where you can search for nurse coaching roles.

Free-lance

If you're entrepreneurial-minded, you could consider free-lancing, and build your own coaching business.

Be prepared to market yourself. Since nurse coaching is still a growing field, you may need to actively promote yourself and your services. Share success stories, write blog posts, create videos or webinars, or even offer free initial consultations to build your practice and get testimonials or experience.

Once you get a few clients, ask for referrals. 

Also check out Nurse Keith, who is a successful nurse coach, and could definitely help guide you to your career goal.

I wish you the very best, and good luck!

Nurse Beth

 

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