More and more healthcare organizations are seeing the benefits of third-party 1:1 coaching for physicians. Coaching is helping to reduce burnout, provide growth opportunities, and increase retention among these professionals who work under incredibly high pressure daily. However, many personalized coaching programs have historically been reserved solely for physicians.
Nurses have not had the same type of professional benefit provided to them, yet they are on the front lines providing essential medical expertise, comfort, and support for patients just like physicians. According to a recent Jama Health study, one-third of all physicians are experiencing burnout compared to half of all nurses experiencing high burnout. Some of the most critical caregivers in our medical services industry are still going without the important benefit of performance mindset coaching.
It’s important to recognize this need and better understand the positive impacts that coaching can offer nurses and nurse practitioners. Here are four reasons why 3rd party coaching is essential for nurses:
Recognizing Burnout Early and Building Resilience
Nurses frequently face high levels of stress and burnout due to heavy workloads, long shifts, and emotional strain. A study published in JAMA Network Open found that nearly one in five nurses experiences high burnout. This emotional exhaustion not only affects nurses' well-being but also impacts patient care, patient outcomes, and safety.
A Nursing Open study reported that nurses participating in personalized coaching described increased resilience, increased confidence, and better coping mechanisms resulting from the coaching. Coaching also provided opportunities for reflection and honest feedback on current practice and assisting with identifying learning opportunities, skill enhancement, and professional development
Promoting Professional Growth and Leadership
Nurses are patient caregivers, yes, but they are also leaders within their healthcare teams. Still, opportunities for professional growth and leadership development are often limited. A Nursing Open study found that nurse managers found value in 1:1 coaching sessions through the opportunity to reflect and identify changes they needed to make in themselves and as well their how actions they impact others. This reflection assisted in building confidence in their leadership style that trickled down to their teams and organizations.
By empowering nurses in leadership roles with one-on-one coaching both the individual nurse and the entire team can experience positive culture and behavior change that improves the performance of healthcare delivery and ultimately patient outcomes.
Communication skills & better patient satisfaction
Better patient outcomes have been tied directly with better care experiences from clinical staff. A Med Care study found a direct correlation between nurse well-being and patient satisfaction. Nurses reported that common issues such as long hours and emotional exhaustion increase their feelings of burnout, leading to greater patient dissatisfaction. However, the reverse was also true: when their work environments and feelings of burnout improve, so does patient satisfaction.
Another study from ICINNA highlighted the impact of coaching on nurses and patient satisfaction. Introducing coaching and mentoring to nurses increases the nurses' caring behavior and results in better care and increased patient satisfaction.
Improving Job Satisfaction and Retention
Nurse turnover rates continue to be a significant concern in healthcare, with job dissatisfaction cited as a primary reason for leaving the profession. A survey of nurses found that nurse leaders with access to coaching are 78% more likely to stay at their organization.
There's also a significant cost factor associated with hiring and training new staff when nurses turn over. Costs can range from $28,400 to $51,700 for a registered nurse (RN), according to Becker's Hospital Review. Hiring expenses increase quickly, costing $3.6 to $6.5 million annually per hospital.
Gaining access to personalized coaching also demonstrates an organizational commitment to nurses' professional development and well-being, fostering a culture of trust and support within an organization. By investing in coaching initiatives, healthcare institutions can boost nurse morale, reduce turnover rates, and ensure continuity of care for patients.
Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, and their professional development and well-being are paramount to delivering high-quality patient care. By addressing burnout, enhancing communication skills, promoting leadership development, fostering clinical competency, and improving job satisfaction, and helping nurses develop a skill set for managing their mindset under pressure, coaching initiatives empower nurses to thrive in their roles and contribute to better healthcare outcomes. It's time for healthcare organizations to recognize the importance of personalized coaching for nurses and invest in their professional growth and well-being.