I have a GOAL...Senior Daycare

Nurses Career Support

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I am currently a student in the Lpn program but wish to do a bridge program to Bsn later. I would like to open a senior daycare one day I was wondering what everyone's thoughts were on that. Some people tell me its a waste of time, but I think it's something worth while. I've even started a business plan, my husband thinks I'm nuts but maybe I'll prove everyone wrong one day!

I think it sounds like a wonderful idea!~

Specializes in psych, ltc, case management.

It certainly doesn't sound nuts to me! If it's your dream, then go for it. You can't expect anyone else to believe in it for you. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks of it, as long as you want it!

Good luck!

Hello,

I am now a recent grad, and would like to tap into the senior daycare market. I am afraid that people may not take me very seriously in this venture because of my age and lack of work experience. I don't really want to work at a hospital or have the traditional "nursing job" I would like give this idea a shot, I have been researching so much and have worked in similar settings in the past. I was wondering if anyone had some extra input about the politics involved and getting clients in the door. I realize their are many other factors to be considered, but do any of you think I have a shot being so new?

thanks

nat

Specializes in ICU, CCU, Trauma, neuro, Geriatrics.

If you are going to run this senior day care business yourself I would be sure to have a bachelors degree in nursing or a management degree or a partner with proper business training to help with the business end of it. Otherwise I say go for it...good luck! There is a big need for this type of care. Many people take care of their parents/grandparents at home and a daycare facility with activities can enhance that and give the caregiver a break once or twice a week to grocery shop etc.

I understand, I just don't remember their being any business training while getting a bsn. I know a partner would help but its hard to find people that can be trusted. Would any business courses at a local community college help at all? Why do you feel having a bsn is important with this type of venture, Ive seen rn's and lpn's running similar businesses. Have you done something similar in the past or present?

Thank you for your reply

I think that you have a great idea. I don't think that it is your lack of nursing knowledge that would affect you as much as your lack of business knowledge. I would recommend taking some business classes at a local community college. Many CCs offer these courses for people who are planning on starting a small business. You should also find an owner of a senior daycare in your area and get to know them. Pick someone who lives far enough away that they will not be a direct competitor. Let them know that you would like to start a senior daycare business and you would like to know how they got started. You need to find out the state regulations for a facility like this. The best way to learn would be actually working in such a facility, but I don't know if they hire nurses. Maybe you could volunteer?

It would be good to have some nursing experience to back you up. You could gain some experience while you are taking business courses and gathering research. Good luck!

I think it's a great idea and have considered it myself. It seems much more convenient than an adult family home where you would have staffing issues around the clock. I agree that you should not get involved with a partner. It's unnecessary and could really complicate things. Compare a partnership to a marriage where assets are combined and separating is like a divorce....

Also, a bachelor's degree is not necessary at all. I have a BA in economics and a minor in business and all I learned in school was theories. I've done my husband's books for years and nothing I learned in school helped me. I think you either have business sense or you don't. If accounting is difficult for you, hire a bookkeeper - they're not that expensive. In my state, to get started in business all you have to do is fill out a master business application and register with secretary of state. It's not rocket science. I'm sure a bookkeeper could help you with that as well. Let me know how it turns out and good luck!

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