Have questions?
It’s normal to have questions when you’re new to the concept of Nurse Coaching and more specifically “Lifestyle Medicine Nurse Coaching.” So, if you do have questions, you’re in the right place!
What is a “nurse coach“? Do nurse coaches only coach nurses?
A Nurse Coach is a Registered Nurse (RN) who focuses on holistic health by enhancing the overall wellness of their clients. Nurse coaches combine the skills they’ve learned in the medical field with lifestyle coaching to help their clients elevate their mental, physical, and spiritual health. Nurse coaches can coach all types of people from any background or profession.
What is the benefit of having a nurse coach as a coach?
The coaching experience with a nurse coach vs another type of legitimately certified personal coach is similar. Both types of coaches can provide lifestyle coaching and/or specialize in many areas of wellbeing. The benefit of having a nurse coach is that nurses bring with them their skills, knowledge, and experience from the medical field. Most nurses have extensive experience working with people from all walks of life, often through some of their most vulnerable moments. Nurse coaches skillfully provide a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space for exploration and discovery in coaching conversations.
What is a nurse coaching conversation like?
As a nurse coaching client, you’ll find that a nurse coaching conversation is not a “normal” conversation. It’s a no-judgement zone that provides a safe space for you to pause, to think deeply, and to explore your thoughts. It’s a place where you can create meaningful ways to improve your health and wellbeing for the rest of your life.
With nurse coaching, you are always in control throughout the conversation. Your nurse coach functions as a guide and facilitator as you develop clarity around your health and wellness goals.
The nurse coaching experience is difficult to explain in words. It’s best to experience it first hand to truly understand what it’s about. Consider scheduling a FREE Introductory 60-90 minute Coaching Session with Donna!
Where do Donna’s clients meet with her?
Donna currently holds all coaching sessions online, via Zoom video.
What is “Lifestyle Medicine”?
“Lifestyle medicine is a medical specialty that uses therapeutic lifestyle interventions as a primary modality to treat chronic conditions including, but not limited to, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Lifestyle medicine certified clinicians are trained to apply evidence-based, whole-person, prescriptive lifestyle change to treat and, when used intensively, often reverse such conditions. Applying the six pillars of lifestyle medicine—a whole-food, plant-predominant eating pattern, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances and positive social connections—also provides effective prevention for these conditions.” American College of Lifestyle Medicine
Is Donna certified in Lifestyle Medicine?
Yes! After completing the requirements to test, Donna studied for and passed a rigorous exam covering the non-industry funded evidence-based science of therapeutic lifestyle interventions. Donna obtained certification in Lifestyle Medicine as a “Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner” through the American College of Lifestyle Medicine in October of 2019.
Is Donna certified in Nurse Coaching?
Yes! Donna completed a 7-month nurse coaching course & then studied for and passed a national exam to become a “Board Certified Nurse Coach (NC-BC).” This board certification is through the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation, AHNCC. It is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC). It is also recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet Program.
Does Donna have any other certifications?
Donna holds a Plant-based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell and the Center for Nutrition Studies. Donna also has Plant-based Professional Certification through Rouxbe Online Culinary School.
As Donna’s coaching client, would I have to eat only plant-based?
No. As Donna’s coaching client, you are always in the driver’s seat. You decide what level of lifestyle change you are ready for every step of the way. With Donna’s Lifestyle Medicine certification, however, you can be assured any resources provided will align with the evidence-based science.
What type of “diet” or “eating plan” does Donna recommend?
The non-industry-funded evidence-based science points to a predominantly Whole Food Plant-Based eating pattern for optimal health. Diet is one part of the puzzle when it comes to lifestyle & it’s certainly an important one! Each coaching client progresses at their own pace. Although Donna has chosen a Whole Food Plant-Based dietary lifestyle, herself, for many years now, Donna’s clients are NOT required to eat 100% plant-based (sometimes referred to as “vegan”). However, including a wide variety of whole plant-foods is nearly always encouraged.
What is a “Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB)” diet?
A Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) dietary lifestyle includes a wide variety of “whole” (minimally processed) plant-foods (i.e. foods as close to their natural state after growing from the ground, without extensive processing in a factory). Plant foods include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. These plant foods are the healthiest foods on the planet! They’re full of fiber and other nutrients while most are also low in calories. So, there’s no restrictive calorie counting needed. You can truly “eat the rainbow”!
See the “Dietary Spectrum” graphic from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, below.
“Any movement toward more Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) eating is positive.”
