Nurse Entrepreneurs

Nurses Entrepreneurs

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Over the years, I have met many nurses with entrepreneurial spirits. They usually fall into one of 2 categories...Either, they want to continue working at least p/t as a nurse, but pursue other ventures..or, they wish to leave nursing altogether.

In any event, the experiences and education of most nurses often put them in a wonderful position to branch off into successful self-employment.

Personally, I have found running a home-based business to be very personally fulfilling, and my nursing career simply enhances it all.

With so many self-starting, motivated nurses out there...Why is it not a bigger topic of discussion?

I do not know why it is not more popular. I am pursuing this avenue. There are many nurses with the entrepeneural spirit who are affilitated with various associations. I am involved with the National Nurses In Business who have conferences etc. about entrepeneural ideas and work shops. I am sure there are others I have yet to learn about.

What type of business do you have? Is it nurse related?

B.

Michelle: I could not imagine working outside of nursing. It never occured to me that my business would be any less than a adjunct to compliment my years of clinical experience. I will be forever grateful for the 10 years of Home Health Care experience which served as the catalist for my decision to 'go out on my own'.

It is hard to convince some folks that they are have a right to their own pursuits; that they can be successful; that they can provide a self-sustaining service within their communities. It is difficult to imagine a life without employer paychecks, employer benefits, employer management; employer policies, procedures, rules, regulations, et al. I imagine it was hard for African slaves to imagine life without their masters, too.

I run a successful business. It took moxie. I have that spirit you mentioned and I know there are many others out there who have it too.

I would love to hear and read more discussion on this topic. I would like to read more input from other nurses who have acquired the 'business accumen' and can share their experiences.

Thanks for your post. I check back here frequently with the hope that someone has communicated with like mind.

Lois

Everyday I dream of owning my own business and constantly try to develop an idea. I have some ideas, but I can tell you why myself and many nurses do not take the first step.... we do not know where to begin. Our education trains us to be employees and NOT to think out of the box. The NNBA has not been helpful to me.

Nightngale asked what I do...I am actually involved in direct marketing...but, my business is actually enhanced by my nursing and real-life experience. I do workshops (for both individual families and larger organizations) focusing on parenting, child development, and working with special needs kids. In the process, the products that I endorse sell themselves.

I also am coach and trainer to people that decide to do what I do. I find this to be as fulfilling as coaching a laboring mom through delivery! :-)

The personal growth that I have gone through since getting started has been amazing! I am doing things now that I would never have envisioned myself doing years ago... LoisJean is right...It takes some moxie! But, I think that anyone can do it if they set their mind to it!

Seeing the results of my work...seeing others succeed...seeing special needs kids do what they couldn't do before...What a pay-off!!!

It is VERY fulfilling to know that I am making such a difference in the lives of so many families! And, my business makes going to work as a nurse enjoyable again, because I know that I am no longer counting on it for an income.

Best wishes,

Michelle

I tend to visit these boards in spurts...I spend more of my "chat" time doing emails. If I were to start an email chat group specifically for entrepreneurial nurses...would anyone be interested?

Let me know...

Best wishes,

Michelle

[email protected]

TRN: Tell me, what do you see yourself doing when you "dream"?

Where are your strengths- in what area? If not in an aspect of nursing care, then what/where else? In your vision can you say, "This I can do".

I have said this so many times to so many nurses: "The first thing you do is go down to your county court house and establish a DBA -(Doing Business As). It does not have to be anything more than your own name; you may never use it; but, in most States it is good for 5 years. There is nothing more required. No one is going to look in on you to see what your up to. Sometimes, the best place to start is at the beginning--and a beginning starts when we officially set up our business name.

Perhaps, then the ideas will begin to materialize for you.

What do you think? Is this something that you feel you can do comfortably? Can you come up with a business name? Have you already thought of one? It could be something like, 'TRN, RN (or LPN) Services'--it really doesn't have to be that-- it could be, 'INCY' (I'm Not Certain Yet).

Establishing a Sole Proprietorship for yourself validates not only your intentions on the outside, but also helps give your 'spirit' a boost on the inside.

Let us know what you think of these suggestions. And while you're at it, why not share with us what some of your dreams are. I find it helps me immensely when I describe my visions to others.

Peace- Lois

I've had so many dreams. The part that is scary is everything looks better from a dream until you're into it and realize you don't know what you are doing or what you've gotten yourself into. The first step is scary b/c knowing where to begin is hard. It's such a big picture. Some dreams I've had: a successful nursing agency (We have so many where I live. I'm just sure sure we need another and that it would be trusted and profitable), my own education program for new moms and their infants (would have to be self pay b/c I don't think an insuracne agency would allow me to be profitable or even reimburse me) working in an administrative position in a global agency such as WHO (allow me to travel the world but still be in healthcare, another dream of mine) nurse/author. I relaize one has to focus but I am trying to learn which dream is a possibility and maybe there are things out there I have never even considered. I don't want to rush into anything without researching it fully. I haven't even been a nurse that long and still need experience so these are long term goals. Someday...someday (I just know it).

Lois,

Great advice and encouragement. Please keep coming back. Your our model of success with a true entrepreneur's spirit.

Michelle,

What product are you selling to families?

:cool: Hi Everyone i 'm new to this board as i just found out about it.. I have been an LPN for 15 yrs. I have worked in every

aspect just about that there is. Well last

year things were not going right in my life. IE: my schedule, my kids were out of control, constantly sick. And it just so happened i had asked for some time off.

Well my nurse manager was far from pleased and make a long story short was fired. Anyway i found myself agin and after 15 yrs. felt like a real person. I now am working from home and loving it. My whole life has changed for the better. So it is scary to make a change but it is for the better. i believe everything happens

for a reason.

Starkid; Hi, and welcome aboard! Thank you for your post. Can you tell us what kind of work you are doing at home? I agree with you about making a change- it is scary, but only for the moment, I found. Congratulations on making those changes!

Peace

Lois

:kiss

Hi Lois, Thanks for the Welcome. Well to start off I am now being a full time mom(that is my hardest job).

I also do Market research for a travel nurse company, and am a Appointment setter for another entrepeneur who with my help is getting the word out about his

business opportunity. PLUS, if that is not

enough working on a patent for a design i made some years ago. So, I love what i'm doing and best of all work my own hrs. Oh, also have a dog and a hamster.

I consider my life as rewarding now if not more as when i was nursing. But, will always keep my license. Thanks for asking

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