As a nurse for 33 years, Susan Lahart, BSN, RN, has spent her career helping people heal and navigate their health journeys. Four years ago, when she joined EXTEN IV in Boise, she became increasingly drawn to nurse health coaching—an emerging field with just over 1,300 certified professionals nationwide.
“My interest in this type of health coaching began with my desire to stay healthy as I age,” says Lahart. “Ryland Mauck-Duff at EXTEN IV was also interested, and we decided to pursue this together.” Together, they launched the clinic’s new nurse health coaching program—a personalized, preventative service that goes beyond hydration.
As a nurse coach, Lahart draws on her clinical background to guide clients toward sustainable lifestyle changes. But just as importantly, she helps people break down health goals into manageable steps—and offers the support to stay on track.
“I help clients co-create goals and celebrate small, incremental successes,” she explains. “It’s a holistic approach. We look at the whole picture: sleep, nutrition, stress, exercise, even relationships and daily routines.”
The coaching process is designed to be practical and accessible. Virtual sessions allow for flexibility, and clients have the option to check in regularly, reassess goals, or reach out as challenges arise. “People often know what they should be doing,” Lahart says, “but making it happen—day to day—is where they need support.”
Client feedback suggests that this personalized model is resonating. One participant noted, “Susan helped me keep exercise and health a priority during a chaotic time. I realized how much better I handle stress when I move my body.”
Another client shared that coaching helped them stay accountable to small shifts in daily habits, while another remarked, “I have more energy, sleep better, and stress less.”
Lahart sees this as confirmation that real change doesn’t always require an overhaul. “It’s often about getting back in touch with your body, your priorities, and what makes you feel good,” she says.
Founder Ryland Mauck-Duff, BSN, RN, sees the program as a natural evolution for the clinic. “We wanted to offer something that addressed the root of wellness—not just symptoms. Health coaching allows us to support people one-on-one in a deeper way.”
Lahart notes that 80 percent of health problems stem from lifestyle factors and that six in ten people live with a chronic condition. Coaching, she believes, can serve as a bridge between medical care and daily wellness.
With certifications in both health and holistic coaching, Lahart’s shift from disease treatment to preventive care feels purposeful. “I know how hard it is to stay healthy when life is busy,” she says. “This work lets me meet people where they are and help them move forward, one step at a time.”
At EXTEN IV, the coaching program aims to be a supportive tool—not a prescription. The goal? To help each client discover the motivation, rhythm, and habits that lead to a more vibrant life. exteniv.com/health-coaching
“Studies show that those who use coaching have higher success in their outcomes and continue good habits because there is a focus on holistic lifestyle changes to improve their health.”
—Susan Lahart, BSN, RN