10 Things You Need To Know Before Becoming A Nurse Coach
Created by Nurses, for Nurses Who Want More
We’re the co-founders of Nurse Life Coach Academy — a nationally accredited nurse coach certification program, proudly endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Association.
Since 2020, through our first company, The Successful Nurse Coaches, we’ve helped hundreds of nurses explore what’s possible beyond the bedside. Whether you’re curious about coaching, craving more fulfillment, or unsure of your next step, this guide was made for you.
Inside, we’ve distilled the 10 most important things we wish we had known before starting this journey — from what nurse coaches actually do, to how to choose the right certification, to whether people really pay for this kind of work (spoiler alert: they do!).
This guide isn’t a sales pitch — it’s an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the nurse coaching path so you can decide, with clarity and confidence, if this is the right next step for you.
Ready to Start Your Journey as Nurse Coach?
This free guide is your first step toward more freedom, fulfillment, and financial confidence — on your terms, using the skills you already have.
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Nurse coaching isn't a theory — it's a career path that changes lives.
Nurse Coaches are working in hospitals, private practice, wellness centers, and even their own living rooms. Some support new grad nurses in hospital settings. Others run thriving virtual practices, guiding clients through burnout, health goals, relationships, and major life transitions. There’s no one-size-fits-all model here — the magic of nurse coaching is that you can create a path that feels aligned with your purpose, your schedule, and your lifestyle.
If you’ve ever asked, “But what do nurse coaches actually do?” — this guide gives you the real answers, real examples, and real-life case studies.
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What Nurse Coaches Do In The Real World
Not all certifications are created equal.
The two main paths — Holistic Health Coaching and Holistic Life Coaching — both lead to national board certification, but they differ in focus. One leans heavily into nutrition, exercise, and medical compliance. The other (like the Nurse Life Coach Academy) centers on deep personal transformation, emotional intelligence, and helping clients thrive in every area of their life. In this guide, you’ll learn the difference — and how to choose the program that matches your calling.
You’ll also find out why many nurse coaches start in health coaching… but end up in transformational life coaching.
Which Certification Is Right For You
Yes — people absolutely pay for nurse coaching.
Over $5 million has been earned by Nurse Coaches alone in the past 5 years, and that is just the numbers we have personally tracked. Clients pay cash for coaching that supports their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Hospitals are hiring nurse coaches to support staff retention and reduce burnout. Some coaches build 6-figure practices. Others pitch consulting packages to CNOs. And no — you don’t need to be Insta-famous or work 60 hours a week to make this work.
You’ll see exactly how real nurse coaches get paid, how they structure their offers, and what’s possible when you do this right.
If People Really Pay For Nurse Coaching
Real life nurses, share their experiences.
