The Nurse as Coach

Abstract

The provision of modern health care in the United States faces significant challenges, as evidenced by multiple national reports of a workforce in distress. In response to these challenges, the practice of coaching emerges as a transformative skill, recommended for individuals in high-stress environments. Coaching in health care focuses on developing nurses and building teams by fostering self-understanding, deploying strengths, improving relational strategies, and gaining moral clarity. It serves as a potent strategy for nurse leaders to navigate the complexities of their systems. This paper explores the practice of coaching as an important mindset and skill. A coaching mindset is characterized by trust, deep listening, curiosity, embracing both/and thinking, discernment over judgment, and fosters an environment where nurses can flourish. It promotes a shift from telling to asking, empowering individuals to contribute innovative ideas and solutions. Additionally, the paper provides guidance for coaching and tools for maintaining a coaching mindset in the face of chronic stress. By fostering a coaching mindset, employing powerful questions, and using tools to sustain emotional integrity, leaders can empower nurses to thrive in complexity, enhance workplace well-being, and contribute to a resilient health care culture.