Hey Nurse — If You’ve Been Quietly Wondering “What Else Could I Do?”
I See You, Nurse
Hey Nurse! I know exactly where you are because I’ve been there, too. You’re showing up for your shifts, giving your all to your patients, and holding everything together—but inside, there’s that quiet voice asking, "Is this really all there is?" Maybe you’re dreaming of being your own boss, whether that’s staying bedside-adjacent or using your clinical brain to launch a totally different business. You aren't ready to walk away today, and that is perfectly okay. This "in-between" is a sacred space where you get to dream, breathe, and figure out what a self-employed life looks like without the overhead page buzzing in your ear.
Your Nursing Skills are a Business Goldmine
Nursing school taught us how to be resilient, but it also gave us a high-level skill set that translates perfectly to business. You are a master of triaging, problem-solving, and managing high-stress environments. Whether you want to consult, teach, or provide specialized clinical services, your license is the ultimate foundation for self-employment.
If your current role is costing you your peace, it’s time to realize that your skills are portable. You don't just have to be a "nurse" in a hospital; you can be a self employed nurse CEO.
Finding Your Spark Again
If you’re feeling the itch for more freedom and a lot less red tape, you aren’t alone. So many of us are looking at the nurse entrepreneurship path as a way to fall back in love with our profession on our own terms.
Here is how you can start finding clarity on your self-employment journey right now:
Audit Your Expertise: What do people always ask you for help with? Is it wound care? Navigating the healthcare system? Wellness? This is your business "sweet spot."
Define Your "Non-Negotiables": What does your heart need? (e.g., Setting your own rates, choosing your own clients, or never working a holiday again). Personally, I do not want to be “essential” and sleep in a hospital room!
Explore New Models: If you love clinical care but crave the autonomy of self-employment, check out this self employed nurse business guide to see if a private-pay model fits your vision.
Access the Right Resources: You don’t have to build your business infrastructure from scratch. I’ve put together a comprehensive resource hub with free courses, templates, and the exact tools I use to help you transition from employee to owner.
You’ve Got This
Whatever you decide, know that you are capable of building a life that doesn't require you to pour from an empty cup. You have the skills, the heart, and the drive. Take a deep breath, Nurse. You're right where you need to be to start imagining a career that finally belongs to you.
Christine Bonaventure, RN