School of Nursing to offer course in healthcare coaching and mentoring

By Eric Reikowski, media relations assistant

This fall, the OU School of Nursing will offer Nursing 599: Healthcare Coaching and Mentoring. The new course will combine online instruction with a field experience and is aimed at helping current and future nurses and allied health professionals develop effective leadership and coaching skills.

“In addition to learning leadership and coaching skills, participants will be introduced to strategies that help patients and their families adapt to lifestyle changes that will help them achieve optimal health and wellness goals,” said Linda Thompson Adams, dean of SON.

Healthcare coaching synergizes efforts amongst hospitals, medical groups, patients and their families in order to enhance patient care. This integrative approach to healthcare delivery involves professionals from across the healthcare field, including nurses, physicians, pharmacists, psychologists, physical therapists and other healthcare personnel. Research shows that patients who receive integrative care are better equipped to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare.

The course may be taken for two credits or four credits, with Nursing Continuing Education credits pending. A two-credit course will consist of a four-week online module coupled with a two-week field experience in which students will create a comprehensive health care plan to manage chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes. In addition, participants who pursue the four-credit track will be required to submit a final project.

For more information on Nursing 599: Healthcare Coaching and Mentoring, contact Sherry Abernathy at (248) 370-4480, or via e-mail at abernath@oakland.edu.