Three Easy and Inexpensive Steps to Becoming a Nurse Entrepreneur

Increasing burnout rates, vaccination mandates, and overall health care stress have some oncology nurses looking for a change. Switching from hospital to hospital doesn’t usually improve symptoms of being overworked, and going back to school can be expensive and time-consuming. However, becoming a nurse entrepreneur can be a surprisingly easy and sometimes affordable option that most nurses never consider.

Nothing beats working autonomously while providing excellent patient care on your terms! As a business owner, I know firsthand that getting started can be fun if you have the right tools. So, here are 3 easy and inexpensive ways you can become a nurse entrepreneur, too.

What Can Nurses Do?

Before diving into the details, you may be wondering what type of businesses registered nurses (RNs) or nurse practitioners (NPs) can own. Here are a few new and exciting ideas:

IV hydration clinics (RNs and NPs): This quickly expanding market offers IV replenishment for post-op recovery support, as well as for immunity boosters and performance formulas.

Concierge nursing (RNs and NPs): This business allows RNs to deliver elite care in the home-based care of the patient’s individual needs and requests.

Integrative health (RNs and NPs): Integrative health services practice holistic care through activities like mindfulness, acupuncture, and herbal remedies.

Chronic care management (RNs and NPs): The 2015 change in chronic care management for Medicare patients makes this an attractive practice for many nurses.

Health writing (RNs and NPs): As the need for credible online content increases, so do nurse-led health writing opportunities.

Health and wellness coaching (RNs and NPs): Working directly with patients endorsing health, providing general support, and helping develop empowerment.

Med spa (RNs and NPs): Providing non-surgical procedures to improve skin and body health.

Retail medical clinics (NPs). Found in grocery stores, pharmacies, and retail stores, NPs provide acute care keeping people out of emergency departments.

Keep in mind that the state you live in plays a significant role in your scope of practice. Sometimes, physician oversight is required–but don’t let that scare you away. Many physicians love helping nurse-led health care practices, especially if they can earn a few bucks as well. In addition, some agencies provide medical directors for nurse-owned businesses at an affordable price.

Here are ways you can get started on the rewarding path to entrepreneurialism.

Take Advantage of Freebies

You would be amazed by all the free resources found on the internet. I stumbled across health writing after viewing a Facebook ad. After much investigating (reading reviews and social media following), I found a trustworthy company and got to work. Reading newsletters, blogs, and watching Youtube videos are easy ways to acquire more knowledge on a potential business idea. Subscribing to free masterclasses and online courses provides a wealth of helpful information as well. Once you’re fully committed to pursuing your new career, affordable memberships offer step-by-step guidelines to being a successful business owner. Up to that point, however, you don’t have to spend a dime. You will also need to contact your local government to discuss the rules and regulations of business ownership in your county/state.

Find a Mentor and Community Support

Reaching out to other nurse entrepreneurs for support is crucial for business startups. Finding a safe community to share successes and bounce ideas off of one another decreases anxiety and provides motivation. Networking with like-minded nurse entrepreneurs is accessible with platforms such as LinkedIn. I suggest creating a profile and searching for people within your workspace. Learning tricks of the trade from those further along the entrepreneurial journey provides valuable advice and learning opportunities. These connections may be free of charge but worth more than money can provide!

Perseverance

The road to becoming a nurse entrepreneur can be lonely and often tests your confidence. Success can be slow to come, leaving you wondering if you chose the right path. Mistakes and bumps in the road can lead to self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy. Despite it all, however, you must be persistent and persevere. It’s ok to take a break and re-group, but you must keep moving forward. Samuel Johnson said, “Great works are performed not by strength, but by perseverance.” Although I am a novice business owner, I am proof that grit pays off–check out the byline for this article!

We became nurses to heal, soothe, and support the sick. But, who says nursing can only be done in a hospital? The landscape of health care is changing quickly, leading to opportunities for nurses to run their own businesses. Nurses can provide the autonomy and knowledge required to deliver outstanding patient care in unique and creative ways. You could be 3 easy and inexpensive steps away from your dream job. Go for it!