RN Personal Trainer

I am an RN and am currently studying for an ACSM certification as a Health Fitness Specialist. My goal is to work with people who are at risk for diabetes, htn, cad, etc. who will greatly benefit from lifestyle modification through exercise, nutrition, and stress reduction. Anybody have any insight into this endeavor, or know someone who has been successful with it? I have become very passionate about the benefits of exercise and nutrition to overall health and want to make a career of it.
I know a nurse who did the same. I don't have contact with her anymore, and, I think she still will figure out some way to integrate her RN with that somewhere. I remember her telling me that her trainer instructor told her that RNs don't make good trainers... ROFLMAO!! I thought, excuse me, but the learning curve bar is set a lot higher in nursing. Not like she can't handle the edu or the clientele. I almost spit out my coffee when she told me this.

Quote from 2ndwindI remember her telling me that her trainer instructor told her that RNs don't make good trainers.

I don't have anything helpful to offer but I just wanted to say that I think that's an awesome endeavour. I've mildly considered that route myself but only in passing musings. My true passion is to be a midwife someday. I'm curious, what is the pay? Best wishes to you!

Quote from RaziRN I'm curious, what is the pay?

Personally - and not just because of my medical background - I'd be more likely to listen to you than some supposed "expert" who looks good in shorts and a tank top.I also think you'd be able to talk some sense into folks who run the risk of really hurting themselves by trying too much too soon.I'll admit I was skeptical about this when I first read your post, but the whole thing's really growing on me - I say go for it and keep us posted!

I grew up with this RN/pro weight lifter and fitness trainer:About Fitness Accomplished: Biography

Hello...I am currently certified as a Health Fitness Specialist through ACSM! It is also my dream to integrate both the personal training and nursing as you described by catering to populations that are at risk or elderly. I received the certification a few years ago and I have used it in my personal life with friends and family. However, I haven't been in a place financially or personally to start a business. One of my concerns is that the pay would be significantly less than what I currently make (at least at first). Since my background is in home health care, I've played around with the idea of doing in-home personal training and bringing the gym to people. Please update me if you are still interested in this and how you did on the exam. Best of luck to you!

Have you thought about cardiac rehab? It's the target population that would most benefit from an RN personal trainer. I often see these patients working with physical therapy and occupational therapy, which is great after major cardiac surgery, stroke, etc., but what they really need is a lifestyle adjustment. I am not a personal trainer, but I have a general interest in health and wellness, like most nurses, I'm guessing. I wish I were in a capacity to see these patients in a longer term setting since I get such fulfillment when I'm able to offer some advice that will help enrich their life. Good luck!

Quote from smkiyaI am an RN and am currently studying for an ACSM certification as a Health Fitness Specialist. My goal is to work with people who are at risk for diabetes, htn, cad, etc. who will greatly benefit from lifestyle modification through exercise, nutrition, and stress reduction. Anybody have any insight into this endeavor, or know someone who has been successful with it? I have become very passionate about the benefits of exercise and nutrition to overall health and want to make a career of it.

There's an RN working at my gym...but she doesn't do any exercise instruction at all that I've seen. I think her official title is "lifestyle advisor" or something. Mostly what she does is nutritional consulting, I think. The name-plaque on her door says she's a CDE, but beyond that I don't know if she has any specific training in nutrition, other than her BSN (also on the door).

Quote from smkiyaI am an RN and am currently studying for an ACSM certification as a Health Fitness Specialist. My goal is to work with people who are at risk for diabetes, htn, cad, etc. who will greatly benefit from lifestyle modification through exercise, nutrition, and stress reduction. Anybody have any insight into this endeavor, or know someone who has been successful with it? I have become very passionate about the benefits of exercise and nutrition to overall health and want to make a career of it.

Quote from HealthyNurseSmkiya- Any update on your progress? I am anxious to hear if you passed the test and have done anything with your new certification yet...