Wellness Nurse: Career Definition and More

A 2024 report from the Pew Research Center shows that the number of centenarians in the United States is projected to more than quadruple by 2054. As they think about possibly reaching the age of 100, individuals in their 80s and 90s may reap enormous benefits from lifestyle improvements to help maintain their mental, social, spiritual, physical, and emotional health. Wellness nurses help implement a range of supportive care methods to meet the comprehensive needs of aging populations.

Since these professionals are already registered nurses (RNs), they can use their patient care experience as they plan and oversee wellness programs, conduct one-on-one consultations, and assess the needs of junior nursing staff members. Their communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills are valuable as they consult with social workers, therapists, physicians, and families.

If you have some experience as an RN but would like to expand your responsibilities and education, consider an RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program. Earning a BSN can lay the groundwork for a career as a wellness nurse, while also refining your current skills and qualifying you for leadership roles.

Wellness Nurse Responsibilities

Wellness nurses typically work in residential settings, such as home health or assisted living, long-term care, and senior communities. What makes them unique is their focus on improving a patient’s well-being by incorporating lifestyle improvements, such as exercise, diet, and physical therapy. This focus on wellness practices overlaps with the approach taken by community health nurses , but wellness nurses focus on the care of individuals rather than on the needs of the community as a whole.

Common duties include the following:

• Assessing and monitoring patients’ falls, injuries, and illnesses

• Documenting patients’ medical progress

• Identifying the needs and services of patients

• Consulting with team members on care management for patients with chronic conditions

• Conducting ongoing communication with patients’ families and loved ones

• Educating patients on ways to improve their health

• Measuring and administering medication, as instructed

• Managing and hosting an organization’s clinical health and wellness program

• Disposing of hazardous materials in appropriate containers

How to Become a Wellness Nurse

The most common educational path to becoming a wellness nurse is a BSN. While it’s possible to work as an RN without earning a BSN , earning a bachelor’s degree opens the door to more career paths, including specializations like wellness nursing. In addition, most employers of wellness nurses prefer candidates with a BSN.

A BSN is often a prerequisite for certifications and master’s degree programs. Regardless of which path is chosen, all RNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to practice.

Experience and Certification Information

Working in rehabilitation, geriatric, or long-term care settings can offer practical training to a new nurse who’s interested in eventually becoming a wellness nurse. Similar to other nursing roles, this role can be physically demanding, may involve challenges like care coordination and time management, and may require a willingness to work any shift. Employers hiring wellness nurses typically are looking for two-to-three years of related experience.

Many nurses interested in the wellness nurse role go on to earn a certification. A credential in wellness nursing not only demonstrates their expertise but also potentially increases their career and salary opportunities. One option is the Health and Wellness Nurse Coaching – Board Certified (HWNC-BC) credential offered through the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corp. (AHNCC).

Some of the eligibility requirements include a current RN license and at least four years of full-time (or 8,000 hours part time) nursing experience within the past seven years for diploma or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) holders. For bachelor’s degree holders, the experience level drops to at least two years of full-time experience (or 4,000 hours part time).

Employment Data for Wellness Nurses

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 6% increase in the employment of RNs, including wellness nurses, from 2022 to 2032. The BLS estimates a steady demand for nurses due to an aging population and the need to educate individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes. Specifically, the BLS forecasts a 10.9% growth rate for RNs in continuing care retirement communities and assisted living facilities for older adults during the time period.

The BLS also reported that as of 2022, the largest employer of RNs (59%) was state, local, and private hospitals. Other significant employers included ambulatory health care services (18%), nursing and residential care facilities (6%), government offices (5%), and educational services (3%).

Advance Your Nursing Career With a Bachelor’s Degree

As noted, prospective wellness nurses should start by gaining hands-on patient care experience to develop their nursing skills. Even for those already practicing as RNs, a bachelor’s degree in nursing could be the next step.

The University of Tulsa offers an online RN to BSN program that can be completed in as little as 12 months. Rather than relearn content from undergraduate nursing training, this accredited program focuses on developing people skills and building on current nursing knowledge. The school also offers individualized mentorship and career assistance.

Learn how this bridge RN to BSN program can help elevate your nursing career.

Recommended Readings

9 BSN Careers for Graduates to Consider

Nurse Advancement Opportunities for RNs

Common Nurse Specialties to Choose From

Sources:

American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corp., Certification

Career Trend, “Wellness Nurse Job Description”

Glassdoor, Wellness Nurse Overview

Indeed, Wellness Nurse Skills

Lippincott NursingCenter, “A Day in the Life of a Wellness Nurse at a Retirement Community”

Pew Research Center, “U.S. Centenarian Population Is Projected to Quadruple Over the Next 30 Years”

Rutgers School of Nursing, “Wellness Nurse: RN Job Description”

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses