Any other Nurse Entrepreneurs?

[AJB]

Any other nurses out there that have tried other alternatives to the shift work, holidays, weekends and such? I still pull some nursing shifts, but I started a home-based business in '99 in hopes that I could be there for my family more. Working 36 hours a week, commuting and trying to raise a family was stressing me out! I have a wonderful husband that is very good with the kids when I am away, and also a very loving in home daycare provider. I still found myself struggling with the feelings of wanting "momcare" for my kids instead of "daycare". I love nursing and finally found my niche in the ER, but I feel it is important to be there for my children. I started my home-based business in August 1999. I still look back and can't believe I did it! I have met some of the nicest people over the past year and a half. Mostly fellow nurses who have chosen a similar path. I don't know if I will ever give up nursing totally. I worked hard for my license and I am proud to be a nurse. I am just much more satisfied now that I work "flex" and have some say over my hours. My business allows me to do that. Before I was a slave to the hours because we definitely needed my full time income. Anyone else out there that has ventured "off the beaten path" of nursing? I would love to hear from you. Amy

[LOPAIDNURSE]

AMY, MY HUSBAND AND I STARTED OUR OWN AMBULANCE SERVICE. WE ARE BOTH NURSES AND HE IS A PARAMEDIC. IT IS VERY CHALLENGING BUT I LOVE IT. I STILL WORK AGENCY A FEW TIMES A MONTH TO KEEP UP MY SKILLS. I LOVE HAVING A LIFE ESP WITH A FIRST GRADER AND I'M A GRANDMOTHER. BEST TO YOU IN YOUR ENDEAVORS.